SSL-built communications satellite for SKY Perfect JSAT is performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan

PALO ALTO, CA, Aug. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that a satellite designed and built for SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, a leading satellite operator based in Japan, was launched on Saturday night and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite, JCSAT-16, deployed its solar arrays on schedule following the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. JCSAT-16, which will provide service for video distribution and data transfer communications, began firing its main thruster early today, to navigate toward its final geostationary orbit.

"I would like to congratulate SKY Perfect JSAT and SpaceX on another successful launch, the second this year for our three companies working together," said John Celli, president of SSL. "We are honored to provide SKY Perfect JSAT with another important satellite for its fleet, and look forward to working closely together again on the launch of JCSAT-15, which is scheduled to take place later this year."

JCSAT-16 is an 8.5-kW multi-mission satellite designed to function as an in-orbit back-up for multiple orbital locations that will ensure stability for existing services and further strengthen SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation's business. The satellite, which has both Ku- and Ka-band capabilities, will serve the Japanese market from multiple orbital locations.

"SSL is a valued and reliable partner, which has now provided two satellites for us this year," said Shinji Takada, Representative Director, President and CEO of SKY Perfect JSAT. "We look forward to integrating JCSAT-16 into our fleet and further strengthening the stability of our services for our customers."

JCSAT-16 is based on the highly flexible SSL 1300 platform, which has the capability to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. SSL is also building JCSAT-15, which is expected to launch later this year.

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 16 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 13 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."

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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, 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.

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SOURCE MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

Wendy Keyzer, MDA External Relations, [phone], [email protected]