Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that it was selected to provide a high power all-electric satellite to Eutelsat, one of the world’s leading satellite operators. The satellite will principally provide broadcast services to multiple regions including Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.
“Following the successful launch of EUTELSAT 65 West A earlier this month, we look forward to continued collaboration with the Eutelsat team,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “The EUTELSAT 7C spacecraft has advanced capabilities that demonstrate the flexibility and power of the SSL satellite platform.”
EUTELSAT 7C is an all Ku-band satellite equipped with 44 operational transponders to provide service from 7 degrees East longitude. It is also designed with a steerable beam for flexible coverage.
“EUTELSAT 7C will help us meet ongoing demand for broadcast content delivery in a fast-growing communications environment,” said Rodolphe Belmer, chief executive officer of Eutelsat. “SSL has proven a valued and customer-driven manufacturing partner and we are very pleased to continue working together on advanced satellite technologies.”
EUTELSAT 7C is based on the SSL 1300 platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. It will exclusively use electric propulsion for orbit raising as well as station keeping and will provide service for a minimum of 15 years.
All-electric satellites provide efficient solutions for satellite operators by reducing launch mass while retaining payload performance. SSL’s all- electric satellites are derived from SSL’s extensive electric propulsion heritage that includes 19 satellites launched with electric propulsion since 2004 representing 53,000 hours of on-orbit thruster operation.
About Eutelsat Communications
Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world’s leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 40 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Eutelsat’s satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user’s location. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service. For more about Eutelsat, please visit www.eutelsat.com.
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.”
