Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that a satellite designed and built for Embratel Star One, was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite, Star One C4, deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. It will begin firing its main thruster later today in order to propel it toward its final geosynchronous orbit. The launch marks the 50th SSL mission with Arianespace.
“Yesterday we achieved two important milestones for SSL,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “We celebrated the success of our first satellite for Embratel Star One and our 50th launch with Arianespace. Building and launching a satellite like Star One C4 takes close teamwork and collaboration and many long hours of hard work. I’d like to thank and congratulate both Embratel Star One and Arianespace and to extend my wishes for many more successes together.”
Star One C4 features 48 Ku-band transponders, which will be used for Broadcast Satellite Services from its orbital slot at 70 West longitude. The satellite will provide Direct-To-Home television service in Brazil and will expand Embratel Star One’s broadcasting services to other Latin American countries and to the United States.
“Star One C4 is an important satellite, because it expands our position as a regional satellite operator,” said Gustavo Silbert, president of Embratel Star One. “We are pleased that the satellite is safely on orbit and we look forward to providing our exceptional service to a broader range of customers.”
Star One C4 is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides high-power and the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 79 SSL-built GEO satellites currently on orbit.
SSL is also building a second satellite for Embratel Star One, which will be launched in 2016. Star One D1 is a multi-mission satellite that includes a high throughput satellite (HTS) payload and will be used for telecommunications, television broadcast, broadband, Internet access and other services such as digital inclusion in Brazil and in the Latin American region.
About Embratel Star One
Embratel Star One is the largest satellite operator in Brazil and Latin America, and one of the most important companies in its sector. The company was established in December 2000 as a subsidiary of Embratel, and operates a fleet with seven satellites, including four in geostationary orbits (Star One C1, C2, C3, and C12) and three in inclined orbits (Brasilsat B2, B3 and B4). The control of those satellites is operated at its Control Center in Guaratiba (RJ), the first in the world to receive the ISO 9001:2000 quality certificate. With its satellites, Embratel Star One offers services of data transmission, telephony, TV, radio and Internet. For more information, please visit www.starone.com.br.
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
