Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that a satellite designed and built for PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI), the oldest and most profitable bank in Indonesia, was launched on Saturday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite, BRIsat, deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and began firing its main thruster to propel it toward its final geostationary orbit. BRI will use the satellite as a dedicated platform for banking connection services for the people of Indonesia.
BRIsat is the world’s first communications satellite owned and operated by a bank. It will provide both C-band and Ku-band coverage of Indonesia and South East Asia, and enables BRI to provide expanded secure banking communications to almost 60 million customers across the Indonesian archipelago, including locations where banking services were previously unavailable.
“It has been a pleasure to work together with BRI on the development and launch of its satellite, which will improve lives by providing expanded access to banking services,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “This launch marks two successes for SSL, as we built both the satellites that were launched on Saturday on the Ariane 5.”
BRIsat is based on the SSL 1300 satellite platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. Positioned at 150.5 degrees East longitude, the satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.
“SSL has been an excellent partner in providing a high quality satellite which was delivered and launched on schedule,” said BRI CEO Asmawi Syam Syamsuddin. “SSL and BRI share a mutual understanding and common spirit that helped make this project a success. As the leading bank in Indonesia with the largest microfinance business in the world, our communication network is critical and BRIsat will play an important role in growing this network’s strength and reliability.
In addition to building BRIsat, SSL provided BRI with a complete satellite control system solution, which includes two satellite control facilities. The company also provided training, and launch support services.
About BRI
PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (BRI) is one of the largest state-owned banks in Indonesia. BRI went to public through Initial Public Offering in 2003 and became one of the blue chip stock traded in the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The Indonesian Government still keeps the majority share of 56.75%. For more detail, visit www.bri.co.id.
About SSL
SSL, a subsidiary of MDA, is a leading provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for more than 50 years, SSL’s advanced product line also includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and automation solutions for remote operations. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.
About MDA
MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.
MDA’s business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.
MDA’s established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 11 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.’s (MDA) common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “MDA.”
Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com
