SSL-built multi-mission satellite for HISPASAT Group successfully launched, begins post-launch maneuvers

PALO ALTO, CA, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL), the world's leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the Amazonas 3 multi-mission satellite, designed and built for HISPASAT Group, was launched last Thursday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle provided by Arianespace from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite has begun firing its main thruster to complete its journey to geostationary orbit.

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"It has been a privilege to work closely with our colleagues at HISPASAT and to see the successful launch of this important satellite," said John Celli, president of SSL. "I would like to thank everyone at HISPASAT, Arianespace, and SSL for their hard work and dedication to making this satellite program a success."

Amazonas 3 is a multi-mission satellite that includes the first Ka-band payload for broadband service in Latin America. It will provide a wide range of telecommunications services including direct-to-home television (DTH), corporate fixed and mobile telephone networks, and broadband in the Americas, Europe, and North Africa. The satellite, which will be positioned at 61 degrees West longitude, has 33 Ku-band and 19 C-band transponders, and nine Ka-band spot beams.

"We are very pleased with SSL's strong execution on the satellite program and early delivery of Amazonas 3," said Carlos Espinós, chief executive officer of HISPASAT. "Once in service, it will help us expand our services and meet the growing demand for telecommunications services around the world."

The satellite is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 space-proven platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The spacecraft is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 71 SSL-built satellites currently on orbit.

About the HISPASAT Group

The HISPASAT Group is comprised of companies with a presence in Spain as well as in Latin America, where its Brazilian affiliate HISPAMAR operates the Amazonas fleet of satellites. The Group is the leader in the broadcast and distribution of content in Spanish and Portuguese, including the transmission of important Direct to Home (DTH) and High Definition Television digital platforms. HISPASAT is one of the most important companies in its sector in the world by revenue and the main communications bridge between Europe and America.

About SSL

SSL has a long history of delivering reliable satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world. As the world's 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.

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