Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that it was selected by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to integrate the flight hardware for a new capability designed to carry small science and technology missions to space on its geostationary (GEO) satellite platform.

SSL plans to support completing the design and integration of the first Payload Orbital Delivery system (PODs) accommodation on the SSL 1300 platform – which would enable affordable delivery of small free-flying spacecraft beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for future servicing, operational, science and technology space missions.

“The innovative PODs platform is paving the way for more affordable, frequent and sustainable access to space,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “DARPA’s vision and commitment to this capability could open the door to many other small satellite and in-orbit servicing missions, enabled by frequent access to space on the SSL 1300 and other GEO based platforms.”

SSL regularly works with a broad range of commercial satellite operators and has experience putting small government payloads and missions onto commercial spacecraft in order to reduce costs for both parties. SSL intends to work with both its commercial customers and Government agencies to facilitate this type of arrangement for the first implementation of the PODs platform and for other future missions.

About SSL

SSL, a subsidiary of MDA, has a long history of delivering reliable satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world. As a leading provider of commercial satellites, the company works closely with satellite operators to provide spacecraft for a broad range of services including television and radio distribution, digital audio radio, broadband Internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation. Billions of people around the world depend on SSL satellites every day. 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