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MDA - SSL-built ABS-2 satellite successfully performs post-launch maneuvers(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 11 February 2014 Release date- 07022014 - Palo Alto, Calif. - Space Systems/Loral a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the ABS-2 satellite, designed and built for ABS, 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 an Ariane 5launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite will begin firing its main thruster later today in order to start maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit. 'I would like to thank ABS and Arianespace for working closely with us to make the launch of ABS-2 a success,' said John Celli, president of SSL. 'This is the culmination of many hours of hard work and we are gratified to see the satellite performing according to plan.' ABS-2 is a highly sophisticated multi-mission C, Ku- and Ka-band satellite designed to provide multiple services including direct-to-home and cable television distribution, VSAT services, data networks, and telecommunications services across four continents. The satellite, which will be positioned at 75 degrees East longitude, has a total of 89 active C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band transponders across 10 different beams. 'ABS-2 is an extraordinary satellite and I'd like to thank SSL for its efforts to work with us to maximize its performance,' said Tom Choi, CEO of ABS. 'We look forward to many years of service on this satellite based on the reliability of the SSL platform. When it enters into service, ABS-2 will extend the reach of affordable and reliable communications and broadcast services to a broad swath of underserved regions.' The satellite is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. It is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 75 SSL-built satellites currently on orbit. About ABS ABS is a young, dynamic and fast growing global satellite operator, with an entrepreneurial and creative business approach. ABS operates five satellites (ABS-1, ABS-1A, ABS-2i, ABS-3 and ABS-7) from 3 premium locations at 3-degreeW, 75-degreeE and 116-degreeE. Its sixth satellite ABS-2 was successfully launched yesterday. Located at 75-degreeEast and fitted with 89 C, Ku, and Ka-band transponders, it will provide broadcasting, telecommunications and data services for Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Russia/CIS countries. ABS has also ordered two Boeing 702SP satellites (ABS-3A & ABS-2A planned for 2014 and 2015 respectively) with the options to add more satellites over the next 2-3 years to its growing satellite fleet. For more information, visit www.absatellite.com Contact: Penny Hill Tel: +65 81898835 Email: [email protected] 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, and mobile communications. Billions of people around the world depend on SSL satellites every day. 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. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development. MDA's well-established global customer base is served by more than 4,500 employees operating from 11 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. and its subsidiaries (collectively '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, satellite damage caused during launch, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; changing performance requirements; changes in customer priorities, mandates, policies, funding levels, contracts and regulations; failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure of systems to meet performance requirements 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. Contact: Wendy Keyzer MDA External Relations Tel: 604-231-2743 Email: [email protected] (c) 2014 Electronic News Publishing - |