SSL-built satellite for Sirius XM Radio successfully performs post-launch maneuvers

PALO ALTO, CA, Oct. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL, a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the Sirius FM-6 satellite, designed and built for Sirius XM Radio, is performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays late Friday evening, following a successful launch from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan aboard a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle, provided by International Launch Services (ILS).  Yesterday, it began the first of several thruster firings to maneuver into geosynchronous orbit.

Sirius FM-6 is a high-power, 20-kilowatt satellite that has an X-band uplink and an S-band downlink payload. It has a nine-meter unfurlable reflector, built by Harris Corporation, which allows for broadcast to cars and satellite radios for the home, office and to mobile devices.

The first three satellites built by SSL for SiriusXM were placed in a unique near-polar orbit and have provided uninterrupted service throughout their life.  Sirius FM-6 is the third high power geostationary (GEO) satellite built by SSL for SiriusXM.

Sirius FM-6 will help ensure continuous and reliable delivery of SiriusXM's unparalleled audio entertainment and data services to 25.6 million subscribers across North America.

"Our close collaboration with SiriusXM over the years has resulted in some of the world's most powerful spacecraft," said John Celli, President of SSL. "It has been an honor to work with SiriusXM, and to contribute to the success of satellite radio, which brings popular entertainment and important information to millions of people in their cars, homes and businesses."

Sirius FM-6 is SSL's tenth 20-kilowatt satellite to be placed into orbit. It is based on the SSL 1300 space-proven platform, which has a long history of reliability and provides the power and flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances.  With this launch, there are 74 SSL-built satellites currently on orbit.

About Sirius XM Radio

Sirius XM Radio Inc. is the world's largest radio broadcaster measured by revenue and has 25.6 million subscribers.  SiriusXM creates and broadcasts commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; exclusive talk and entertainment; and the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company in the U.S. and from retailers nationwide as well as at shop.siriusxm.com. SiriusXM programming is available through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and other connected devices as well as online at siriusxm.com. SiriusXM also provides premium traffic, weather, data and information services for subscribers in cars, trucks, RVs, boats and aircraft through SiriusXM Traffic™, SiriusXM Travel Link, NavTraffic®, NavWeather™, SiriusXM Aviation, SiriusXM Marine™, Sirius Marine Weather, XMWX Aviation™, and XMWX Marine™.  SiriusXM holds a minority interest in SiriusXM Canada which has more than 2 million subscribers.

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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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SOURCE: MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.