SSL-built satellite for Optus begins post-launch maneuvers according to plan

PALO ALTO, CA, Sept. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the Optus 10 satellite, designed and built for Optus, 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 5 launch 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.

"It has been a privilege to work with our colleagues at Optus and to see the successful launch of Optus 10," said John Celli, president of SSL. "I would like to thank Optus for giving us the opportunity to build this very flexible satellite. Many thanks also to the Arianespace team and to the hundreds of engineers, technicians and managers at SSL who were passionate about making Optus 10 a success."

Optus 10 is designed to provide high quality consumer broadcast service and two way voice and data communications services for Australia and New Zealand. The satellite was built with the flexibility to augment the Optus fleet and assure the highest level of ongoing service where it is needed the most.

"SSL has been a very capable and responsive partner in meeting our needs for Optus 10," said Paul Sheridan, Vice President of Satellite at Optus. "We are very pleased that the satellite is performing its maneuvers as planned."

Optus 10 will be positioned at 164 degrees East longitude. It has 24 Ku-band transponders and 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 77 SSL-built GEO satellites currently on orbit.

About Optus

For almost 30 years, Optus has been the leader and innovator in satellite-based communications services within Australia and New Zealand, providing a comprehensive range of advanced satellite services. With the largest fleet of domestic satellites in that region, Optus delivers satellite including subscription-TV, free-to-air TV, radio, Internet, voice, and data services.

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, mobile communications, and Earth observation.  Billions of people around the world depend on SSL satellites every day.  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."

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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, 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
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