Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced it has been awarded a contract from Telesat, one of the world’s top satellite operators, for a prototype Ka-band satellite that Telesat expects to launch into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) next year as part of the test and demonstration phase for a global constellation that Telesat is now designing.
“The prototype spacecraft we are providing to Telesat demonstrates the versatility of our LEO capability,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “Our focus on low cost production has enabled SSL to win a growing range of satellite contracts. Telesat is a long term SSL customer and we look forward to supporting them in their test and demonstration phase.”
With this contract, SSL currently has 21 LEO satellites in production. SSL also has two GEO satellites in production for Telesat.
“Telesat is pleased to be working with SSL in the test and demonstration phase of the global Ka-band constellation Telesat is developing,” said Dave Wendling, Telesat’s Chief Technical Officer. “Telesat looks forward to conducting extensive testing of our contemplated LEO system to optimize its performance.”
About Telesat (www.telesat.com)
Telesat is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, the company’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of 15 satellites plus the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 with two new satellites under construction. An additional two prototype spacecraft are under construction and will be deployed in low earth orbit. Telesat also manages the operations of additional satellites for third parties. Privately held, Telesat’s principal shareholders are Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: LORL).
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
