SSL-built satellite for Telenor begins post-launch maneuvers according to plan

PALO ALTO, CA, April 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that a satellite designed and built for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting (TSBc), was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite, THOR 7, deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. It will begin firing its main thruster later today in order to propel it toward its final geosynchronous orbit.

"THOR 7 is a very advanced and flexible satellite that will improve the lives of many people," said John Celli, president of SSL. "We would like to extend our gratitude to Telenor, Arianespace, and all of the SSL employees whose skills, hard work, and dedication helped make this satellite launch a success."

THOR 7 is a multi-mission satellite equipped with Telenor's first high performance Ka-band payload, designed to serve the maritime market and offer high powered coverage over the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, the Red Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean. The satellite also has a Ku-band payload for broadcast and television services in Central and Eastern Europe. The satellite will be positioned at 1 degree West longitude.

"THOR 7 will help us grow our business in both broadcasting and data communications," said Morten Tengs, Vice President and CEO of Telenor Satellite Broadcasting. "We are very happy that the satellite is now on its way to orbit and would like to thank both SSL and Arianespace for making this satellite a success."

THOR 7 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 is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 78 SSL-built GEO satellites currently on orbit.

About Telenor Satellite Broadcasting

Operating from the prime European orbital location of 1° West, Telenor Satellite Broadcasting (TSBc) provides extensive television broadcasting services for distribution and contribution applications to broadcasters, utilising a hybrid network that comprises terrestrial circuits, earth stations, and the satellite fleet. TSBc delivers end-user connectivity and broadband application services via satellite in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and has also established inclined-satellite operations at the 4º West orbital position. Visit the company's website at www.telenorsat.com.

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, mobile communications, and Earth observation.  Billions of people around the world depend on SSL satellites every day.  For more information, visit www.sslmda.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, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA's established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 11 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.'s (MDA) common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDA."

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Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively "MDA" or the "Company") 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, satellite damage caused during launch, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; changing performance requirements; changes in customer priorities, mandates, policies, funding levels, contracts and regulations; failure of third parties and subcontractors; failure of systems to meet performance requirements; and other risks, including litigation. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. The information contained in this news release reflects MDA's beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com.

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SOURCE MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.

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