SSL built satellite for EchoStar arrives at launch base

"EchoStar and SSL have worked together for two decades," said John Celli, president of SSL. "Over that time we have established a long history of teamwork and trust. Our partnership on EchoStar XXI is a reflection of this successful relationship, which has resulted in a very advanced and complex satellite now ready for launch."

EchoStar XXI is an S-band satellite for next-generation Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) that will be located at 10.25° East longitude. It features a large unfurlable reflector that will deploy like an umbrella after the satellite is in orbit. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, the satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

EchoStar subsidiary EchoStar Mobile Limited will utilize a portion of EchoStar XXI's capacity to provide mobile satellite services (MSS) capacity throughout the European Union. EchoStar Mobile is an EU-wide licensee for an integrated mobile satellite service network with a complementary ground component.

"SSL has been a key manufacturing partner for many years, and continues to support our fleet expansion," said Anders Johnson, executive director of EchoStar Mobile and president of EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. "We are pleased that EchoStar XXI is now at launch base and look forward to next month's launch."

SSL has built more than a dozen satellites for EchoStar and its affiliates, including EchoStar XVIII, which successfully launched in June. In addition to EchoStar XXI, there are currently two other SSL-built satellites for EchoStar in preparation for launch between Q4 2016 and Q1 2017.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite and video delivery solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in communications technologies through its EchoStar Satellite Services, EchoStar Technologies and Hughes Network Systems business segments.

For more information, visit echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.

About EchoStar Mobile Limited

EchoStar Mobile Limited, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corp., is a mobile operator providing connectivity across Europe. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, EchoStar Mobile provides access to a hybrid satellite and terrestrial network enabling enhanced mobile voice and data communications for businesses, government agencies and consumers. For more information, visit echostarmobile.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