SSL names undisclosed customer

Previously announced contract award is for the multi-mission Ka-band satellite for Star One, providing communications in Latin America

PALO ALTO, CA, Aug. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today named its undisclosed customer for a multi-mission communications satellite announced on July 18, 2013.  The satellite is being manufactured for Brazilian satellite operator Star One, a subsidiary of Embratel, a leading telecommunication company from Brazil.

The satellite, named Star One D1, is equipped with C, Ku and Ka-band payloads and will be used for telecommunications, television broadcast, broadband, Internet access and other services such as digital inclusion in Brazil and in the Latin American region. Star One D1 will be the first satellite of Star One´s fourth generation and will  support the Olympic Games in 2016 that will take place in Rio de Janeiro, since Embratel, in a co-participation with Claro, has been selected as the Official Telecommunication Sponsor for this worldwide event.

"We are very pleased to have this opportunity to help Star One provide much needed services that will improve the human experience in Brazil and throughout Latin America," said John Celli, president of SSL. "This is the second satellite that we are building for Star One, and there is no better endorsement of our success than a customer returning to work with us again. Star One and SSL share a commitment to high quality and reliability and we look forward to continuing our close working relationship."

Star One D1 is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 satellite platform that provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications and technology advances.  It will be located at 84 degrees West longitude and is scheduled for launch in early 2016.  The satellite is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more.

"We are glad to announce this new satellite and to increase our presence not only in Brazil but in all Latin America´s region," said Gustavo Silbert, president of Star One.  "The D1 will help transform the lives of many people in Latin America who currently do not have access to the high speed communications necessary for both economic and social well-being."

About Star One

Star One, a subsidiary of Embratel, is the largest satellite operator in Latin America. The company was founded in December 2000, and has a fleet of seven satellites. It operates four GEO satellites (Star One C1, C2, C3, and BRASILSAT B4), and two in inclined orbit (BRASILSAT B2 and B3), with a main ground station located in Guaratiba (Rio de Janeiro - Brazil). The Star One C3 together with the C1, C2 and C12 are the third and newest generation of satellites now. The Star One D1 will be the first satellite of the fourth generation. The capacity of these satellites shall support a range of solutions to customers in the telephony, TV, pay TV, data, broadband, Internet and corporate networks. For more information, visit www.starone.com.br.

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.  For more information, visit www.ssloral.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. 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.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.'s (MDA) common shares trade under the symbol TSX:MDA.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. and its subsidiaries ("MDA" or the "Company") with respect to future events and financial performance.  The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the award of a contract.  Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends.  The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts not being terminated.  Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. MDA cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not limited to: failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure of systems to meet performance requirements; and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or compliance with the requisite standards.

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SOURCE: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

Wendy Keyzer
MDA External Relations
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