SSL selected to provide multi-mission satellite to HISPASAT Group

PALO ALTO, CA, Dec. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that it was selected to provide a multi-mission communications satellite to Spanish satellite operator HISPASAT Group.  The satellite, Amazonas 5, will be used for a broad range of services in Latin America.

"I would like to thank HISPASAT for its ongoing confidence in SSL," said John Celli, president of SSL. "Amazonas 5 is the fourth satellite that we will build for HISPASAT, with two currently on orbit and another in backlog. We look forward to continued teamwork on this high performance satellite that will help HISPASAT broaden the availability of high quality communications in Latin America."

Amazonas 5 has a high throughput Ka-band spot beam payload, which will be used for broadband service in South America, Central America and Mexico.  It also has a Ku-band beam for fixed satellite services, which will be used for television, corporate networks and other telecommunications applications in South America and Central America.

"We are very happy to team with SSL on Amazonas 5," said Carlos Espinós, chief executive officer of HISPASAT.  "As the leader in commercial satellite manufacturing, SSL is well-positioned to support our current innovation and expansion initiatives by providing us with an outstanding satellite."

Amazonas 5 is based on the SSL 1300 platform that provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications and technology advances.  Scheduled for launch in 2017, the satellite is designed to deliver service for 15 years or longer.

The HISPASAT Group

The HISPASAT Group is composed of companies with a foothold in Spain as well as in Latin America, where its Brazilian affiliate HISPAMAR, sells its services. The Group is a leading Spanish and Portuguese language content broadcaster and distributor, including over important direct-to-home television (DTH) and high-definition television (HDTV) digital platforms. HISPASAT is one of the world's largest companies in terms of revenue in its sector, and the main communications bridge between Europe and the Americas.

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.

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