SS/L delivers satellite to launch base for Mexican telecom operator, Satmex

Satmex 8 Arrived Safely in Kazakhstan, Will Provide Video, Data and Government Services in the Americas

PALO ALTO, CA, Nov. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), the world's leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the Satmex 8 satellite built for Satélites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. (Satmex), has arrived at the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan, where it will be launched aboard a Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS).

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"Satmex and SS/L share a commitment to broadening the availability of communication services," said John Celli, president of SS/L. "Satmex 8 is the second satellite we have built for Satmex and we are looking forward to the upcoming launch."

Satmex 8 is a Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) spacecraft that will provide video content and distribution, broadband services, and cellular backhaul in North, South and Central America. It will also help people in remote areas and provide service for telemedicine, distance learning, and emergency services. Satmex 8 will replace Satmex 5 at the orbital location of 116.8 degrees West longitude.

"Together with SS/L-built Satmex 6, Satmex 8 will serve as a work horse to sustain our business plan for many years to come," said Jesus Gutierrez, program manager and director of engineering of Satmex. "SS/L has been excellent to work with and we are very pleased with the satellite."

Satmex 8 will carry 24 C-band and 40 Ku-band transponders. It is based on the highly reliable SS/L 1300 platform which offers the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellite is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more.

About Satmex
Satélites Mexicanos ("Satmex") is a significant provider of fixed satellite services ("FSS") in the Americas, coverage of more than 90% of the population of the region across more than 45 nations and territories. As one of only two privately-managed FSS providers based in Latin America, Satmex (together with its predecessors) has designed, procured, launched and operated three generations of satellites over a 25 year period. Satmex's current fleet is comprised of three satellites in highly attractive, contiguous orbital slots that enable its customers to effectively serve their entire coverage footprint utilizing a single satellite connection.

For further information, visit www.satmex.com

About SS/L
SS/L 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.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) 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 SS/L's end-user markets, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management of SS/L'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 SS/L's beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, SS/L disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.

SOURCE: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

Media Contact:  Wendy Lewis
Space Systems/Loral
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