SSL satellite for SKY Perfect JSAT begins post-launch maneuvers according to plan

Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the JCSAT-14 satellite, which it designed and built for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (SKY Perfect JSAT), was launched late last night and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. SKY Perfect JSAT is Asia’s largest satellite operator with a fleet of 15 satellites, and Japan’s only provider of both multi-channel pay TV broadcasting and satellite communications services. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle provided by SpaceX and will begin firing its main thruster in order to start maneuvering into geostationary orbit tomorrow.

“I would like to thank the teams at SKY Perfect JSAT, SpaceX, and SSL, whose hard work and close collaboration ensured JCSAT-14’s successful launch,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “As our first satellite together with SKY Perfect JSAT in many years, we have strengthened our long relationship and built a culture of teamwork and trust which extends to the other SKY Perfect JSAT satellites that we are building.”

JCSAT-14 will help SKY Perfect JSAT further expand its satellite communication services in Asia and Pacific regions. The satellite will also be used to provide communications for emergency services and disaster recovery and it will enable mobile communications for the maritime, aviation and resource industries.

With service in Asia, Russia, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands, it replaces and expands on the capacity of JCSAT-2A at the 154° East longitude orbital slot and is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer.

“We are very pleased that JCSAT-14 will soon enter service as part of our fleet,” said Shinji Takada, Representative Director, President and CEO of SKY Perfect JSAT. “SSL has been an excellent partner in the development of this satellite, and our teams look forward to continued collaboration as two additional satellites complete assembly and test for launches later this year.”

The satellite is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides high power and the flexibility to support innovation and evolving technologies. It marks the 102nd satellite that SSL has delivered based on this highly successful platform. SSL is also building JCSAT-15 and JCSAT-16 which are both scheduled to launch in 2016.

About SKY Perfect JSAT

SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation is a leader in the converging fields of broadcasting and communications. It is Asia’s largest satellite operator with a fleet of 15 satellites, and Japan’s only provider of both multi-channel pay TV broadcasting and satellite communications services. SKY Perfect JSAT delivers a broad range of entertainment through the SKY PerfecTV! platform, the most extensive in Japan with a total of 3.4 million subscribers. In addition, SKY Perfect JSAT’s satellite communications services, which cover Japan and the rest of Asia, as well as Oceania, Russia, Middle East, Hawaii and North America, play a vital role in supporting safety, security and convenience for society as a whole. For more information, please visit www.sptvjsat.com and www.jsat.net.

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.”