SSL-built advanced high throughput satellite for EUTELSAT begins post-launch maneuvers according to plan

PALO ALTO, CA, March 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite designed and built for Eutelsat, one of the world's leading satellite operators, was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan.  Following launch on an Ariane 5 rocket the satellite's solar arrays were deployed on schedule and its main thruster will be fired for the first time later tonight to propel it toward its final geosynchronous orbit.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160308/342050)

"It has been our pleasure to work closely with Eutelsat to design, build and launch this multi-mission satellite that includes some very advanced capabilities," said John Celli, president of SSL. "I would like to thank and congratulate the teams from Eutelsat, Arianespace and SSL who worked hard to make this satellite a success."

EUTELSAT 65 West A will provide service in Brazil and across Latin America.  It has 10 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders, which will be used for video and data services and 24 Ka-band spot beams for broadband connectivity. 

"SSL has been an excellent partner in executing on a very complex and demanding satellite program," said Rodolphe Belmer, chief executive officer of Eutelsat. "We look forward to fully integrating EUTELSAT 65 West A into our global fleet and to strengthening our footprint over Latin America for broadcast and broadband services."

EUTELSAT 65 West A is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides high-power and the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellite, which is designed to provide service for 15 years or more, will be located at 65° West longitude. With this launch, there are 81 SSL-built GEO satellites currently on orbit.

About Eutelsat Communications
Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world's leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 40 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Eutelsat's satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user's location. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service.  For more about Eutelsat, please visit  www.eutelsat.com

About SSL
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 more than 50 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.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of Space Systems Loral (SSL) 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 SSL's end-user markets, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management of SSL'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 SSL's beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, SSL disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.

SOURCE SSL