PALO ALTO, CA, Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the EchoStar XVI satellite, designed and built for EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), was launched yesterday and is successfully performing
post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its
solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS) from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan. The satellite will
begin firing its main thruster tomorrow in order to start maneuvering
into geosynchronous orbit.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121121/TO369)
"EchoStar and SS/L have a long history of collaboration and teamwork,"
said John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral. "The power and capability of
EchoStar XVI to deliver high-definition television services is a
testament to this ongoing relationship and we are pleased to see the
satellite successfully launched."
EchoStar XVI is a high power 20-kilowatt direct broadcast satellite
(DBS) that is fully leased to DISH Network. It will provide a broad range of Direct-to-Home (DTH) services in the
United States. It has CONUS and spot beam transponders and will be
positioned at 61.5 degrees West longitude.
EchoStar XVI is based on the highly reliable Space Systems/Loral 1300 space-proven platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and
technology advances. The spacecraft is designed to deliver service for
15 years or more. With this launch, there are 72 SS/L-built satellites
currently on orbit.
About EchoStar Corporation
EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is the premier global provider of
satellite operations and video delivery solutions. EchoStar's
wholly-owned subsidiary, Hughes, is the world's leading provider of
satellite broadband services, delivering network technologies and
managed services for enterprise and government customers in more than
100 countries. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, with additional
business units world-wide, EchoStar is a multiple Emmy award-winning
company that has pioneered advancements in the set-top box and
satellite industries for nearly 30 years, consistently delivering value
for customers, partners and investors through innovation and
outstanding quality. Over the last three decades EchoStar's
contribution to video technology has been a major influencer to shifts
in the way consumers view, receive and manage TV programming.
EchoStar's consumer solutions include HughesNet®, North America's #1
high-speed satellite Internet service, Sling Media's Slingbox®
products, and EchoStar's line of advanced digital video set-top box
products for the European free satellite and terrestrial viewer
markets. For more information, please visit www.EchoStar.com.
About Space Systems/Loral
Space Systems/Loral, a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates
Ltd. (MDA), has a long history of delivering reliable satellites and
spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the
world. As the world's 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, and mobile
communications. Billions of people around the world depend on SS/L
satellites every day. For more information, visit www.ssloral.com.
About MDA
MDA is a unique 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. In addition the Company conducts a
significant amount of advanced technology development. MDA's
well-established global customer base is served by more than 5,000
employees operating from 18 offices located in the United States,
Canada, and internationally.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and information,
which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates
Ltd. ("MDA" or the "Company") with respect to future events and
financial performance. When used in this news release, the words
"believes", "expects", "plans", "may", "will", "would", "could",
"should", "anticipates", "estimates", "project", "intend" or "outlook"
or other variations of these words or other similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Actual
results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or
implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and
unknown risks and uncertainties. Known risks and uncertainties include
but are not limited to: risks associated with operating satellites and
providing satellite services, including satellite construction or
launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite
performance; risks associated with satellite manufacturing, including
competition, cyclicality of MDA's end-user markets, contractual risks,
creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management
of MDA's factory and personnel; risk associated with financial factors
such as volatility in exchange rates, increases in interest rates,
restrictions on access to capital, and swings in global financial
markets; risks associated with domestic and foreign government
regulation, including export controls and economic sanctions; and other
risks, including litigation. The foregoing list of important factors is
not exhaustive. The information contained in this news release reflects
MDA's beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of
the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA disclaims
any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information
herein.
For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or
factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to
the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time
with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available
online under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the
form or content of this news release.
SOURCE MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.
