SSL selected to provide satellite to Intelsat

Intelsat 34 marks the 50^th SSL-built satellite for Intelsat

PALO ALTO, CA, July 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that it has been selected to provide a communications satellite to Intelsat S.A., the world's leading provider of satellite services.  With expansive coverage of the Western hemisphere Intelsat 34 is the 50^th satellite SSL will provide to Intelsat.

"Our four decade history with Intelsat goes back to some of the earliest commercial satellites ever built," said John Celli, president of SSL.  "Over the years we have developed a highly effective process of working together and an excellent spirit of collaboration.  I would like to thank Intelsat for its continued confidence in SSL as a responsive supplier that makes a commitment with every contract to provide the best possible quality and value."

Intelsat 34 will serve the role originally intended for Intelsat 27. This includes providing capacity to meet the growing needs of Latin American media customers, as well as broadband for aeronautical companies serving the busy North Atlantic routes.

Scheduled for launch in 2015, Intelsat 34 will replace Intelsat 805 and Galaxy 11 at 304.5 degrees East longitude.  Intelsat 34 is designed to deliver service for 15 years or longer.

"SSL has delivered to Intelsat some of the world's most reliable and advanced satellites, enabling our customers to expand their businesses and reach new frontiers," said Thierry Guillemin, EVP and CTO of Intelsat. "This 50^th spacecraft is an important milestone for Intelsat and SSL, and we look forward to another successful program."

Intelsat 34 is based on the SSL 1300 space-proven platform, which has the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances, including electric propulsion.  SSL's heritage electric propulsion system, the SPT-100, significantly reduces the propellant mass needed to operate a satellite.  This enables more payload mass to be launched on the same size launch vehicle or reduced launch mass, which allows for lower price launch solutions.

SSL first used electric propulsion on a geostationary communications satellite in 2004. Intelsat 34 will be the 24^th satellite constructed by SSL that includes electric propulsion.  With more than 25,000 hours of on orbit operation, all SPT-100 subsystems launched are operating nominally.

About Intelsat

Intelsat (NYSE: I) is the leading provider of satellite services worldwide. For almost 50 years, Intelsat has been delivering information and entertainment for many of the world's leading media and network companies, multinational corporations, Internet Service Providers and governmental agencies. Intelsat's satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video, data and voice services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and broadband access, with Intelsat, advanced communications anywhere in the world are closer, by far.

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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www.mdacorporation.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("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, partial or complete failure of a satellite or related systems; failure of systems to meet performance requirements and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or compliance with the requisite standards.

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.

SOURCE: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

CONTACT:
Wendy Keyzer
MDA External Relations
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