Maxar's SSL selected to define next-generation secure satellite communications for the U.S. Air Force

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Aug 16, 2018, 09:12 ET

SSL will develop antenna subsystem prototypes in support of U.S. leadership in space and national defense requirements

HERNDON, VA, Aug. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - SSL, a Maxar Technologies company (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.) (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR), and a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, announced today that it was selected to help define next generation protected communications for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. SSL will develop, test and analyze antenna subsystem prototypes through a contract with the Space Enterprise Consortium, managed by Advanced Technology International. The award highlights SSL's ability to contribute to U.S. leadership in space with novel concepts for the U.S. Department of Defense's next-generation spacecraft systems.

Leveraging its knowledge of trends in satellite communications and next-generation advances both in space and on the ground, SSL will create antenna subsystem prototypes that define and demonstrate key technologies for a resilient, cost-effective, and high performance protected tactical satellite communications capability. The study builds on previous SSL studies to develop and demonstrate next-generation military satellite communications architectures for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.

"The combination of SSL's agile mindset and innovative new space technologies with our team's experience in multiple generations of MILSATCOM architectures uniquely positions us to accelerate the DoD's development and integration of cost-effective and highly advanced solutions that will support the defense of our nation," said Richard White, president of SSL Government Systems. "There are more than 85 SSL-built communications satellites currently in-orbit, and we are proud to leverage that experience to further expand and support U.S. Air Force capabilities."

As part of Maxar Technologies, SSL brings unmatched integrated capabilities, solutions and expertise from the company's four leading space brands to address complex mission-critical challenges that require vision, agility and value. The company's trusted partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense is gaining momentum with contributions to a variety of next-generation studies that position SSL and the Maxar family of companies as important contributors to our nation's leadership in space. SSL recently completed a study exploring new solutions for next-generation space architectures to meet the objectives of the U.S. Air Force Space Command's Space Enterprise Vision, which is expected to accelerate crucial technologies for resilient space defense capabilities.

About SSL
SSL, based in Palo Alto, California, is a leading provider of advanced spacecraft systems, with broad expertise to support commercial and government satellite operators and innovative space missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, in-orbit servicing, space exploration, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for 60 years, SSL's advanced product line includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and autonomous solutions for remote operations. SSL is a Maxar Technologies company (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR). For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

About Maxar Technologies
As a global leader of advanced space technology solutions, Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) is at the nexus of the new space economy, developing and sustaining the infrastructure and delivering the information, services, systems that unlock the promise of space for commercial and government markets. As a trusted partner, Maxar Technologies provides vertically-integrated capabilities and expertise including satellites, Earth imagery, robotics, geospatial data and analytics to help customers anticipate and address their most complex mission-critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in over 30 global locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of commercial space brands includes MDA, SSL, DigitalGlobe and Radiant Solutions. Every day, billions of people rely on Maxar to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that Build a Better World. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information, visit www.maxar.com.

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