SSL satellite built for Bulgaria Sat begins maneuvers following a launch on previously flown SpaceX

PALO ALTO, CA, June 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that the BulgariaSat-1 satellite, designed and built for Bulgaria Sat, an affiliate of Bulsatcom, which is a leading telecommunications company and the largest provider of pay-TV services in Bulgaria, was launched on Friday 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 previously flown SpaceX Falcon 9, and has started firing its main thruster to propel itself toward its final circular orbit in the geostationary arc.

"I would like to congratulate Bulgaria Sat on the successful launch of its first satellite, and for making history as the first Bulgarian company to operate a satellite," said John Celli, president of SSL. "Thank you to the teams at Bulgaria Sat, SpaceX, and SSL, which worked closely together to make this launch a success."

BulgariaSat-1 will provide high quality Direct-to-Home television and telecommunications services in the Balkans and other European regions. It is equipped with 30 Ku-band BSS transponders to broaden the availability of advanced television services such as high definition television. Once it goes into service, the satellite will be located at 1.9° East longitude.

"BulgariaSat-1 will expand our reach and reinforce our position as the leading provider of high quality direct-to-home TV services in Bulgaria," said Maxim Zayakov, chief executive officer of Bulgaria Sat. "My thanks goes to SSL for being a supportive partner from the time that this satellite was just an idea until now. It is hugely exciting that we are finally launched and headed toward GEO orbit and we look forward to providing service that will broaden the availability of HDTV in the region."

Based on the powerful SSL 1300 platform, the satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. The satellite was the second commercial launch on a previously flown Falcon 9 rocket and helps to prove the value of launch vehicle reuse.

Bulgaria Sat is an affiliate of Bulsatcom, which is a leading telecommunications company and the largest provider of pay-TV services in Bulgaria. Bulgaria Sat is the only satellite operator and the country's innovator in space industry, providing reliable and secure satellite communications solutions to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Bulgaria Sat is headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Bulsatcom is the largest pay-TV provider in Bulgaria, providing more than 100 digital TV channels – including exclusive content – as well as broadband internet access. Bulsatcom's leading market position is based on outstanding customer support and high-quality broadcast services.

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 60 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.

SSL MDA Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and serves as the operating company for all MDA businesses.

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."

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 the 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.

SSL satellite built for Bulgaria Sat begins maneuvers following a launch on previously flown SpaceX Falcon 9

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