SSL-built, highly flexible satellite for EchoStar begins post-launch maneuvers according to plan

PALO ALTO, CA, March 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that the EchoStar XXIII satellite, designed and built for EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), was launched last night from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 and will begin to fire its main thruster tomorrow night to propel itself toward its final circular orbit in the geostationary arc.  SSL is a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, Ltd. (TSX:MDA), a global communications and information company.

"This is the third satellite built for EchoStar by SSL to be placed on orbit since last June," said John Celli, president of SSL. I would like to thank EchoStar, SpaceX and our own engineers and technicians who all worked as a team to make this launch a success."

EchoStar XXIII is a highly flexible Ku-band satellite capable of providing service from multiple orbital slots. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, the satellite will be deployed at the 45 degrees West orbital location, providing high-power Direct-to-Home services into Brazil. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

"SSL has been an important manufacturing partner to EchoStar," said Anders Johnson, president of EchoStar Satellite Services. "We are pleased to add another SSL-built satellite to our fleet."

SSL has built more than a dozen satellites for EchoStar and its affiliates, including the high capacity EchoStar XIX satellite for HughesNet^® high-speed satellite Internet service in North America, which was successfully launched in December, and EchoStar XVIII for DISH Network, which launched last June.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite communication solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in secure communications technologies through its Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments.

For more information, visit echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.

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 15 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDA."

About SSL

Space Systems Loral (SSL) 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.

Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com
www.sslmda.com

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, 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, changes in regulations; telecommunication standards and laws in the countries in which the Company conducts business; the Company's ability to receive satellite imagery, including from third parties for resale and performance issues on the Company's on-orbit satellite; 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 by customer or MDA, 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 release.

Contact

Wendy Lewis | SSL Media Contact | 1-650-852-5188 | [email protected]

Wendy Keyzer | MDA Media Contact | 1-604-231-2743 | [email protected]

Marissa Poratto | MDA Investor Relations | 1-604-331-2044 | [email protected]

SOURCE MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

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