SSL delivers EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 to launch base

SSL-built satellite will serve two operators with TV broadcasting, telecommunications and government services

PALO ALTO, CA, July 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the high power, multi-mission satellite it designed and built for Eutelsat Communications and Es'hailSat, has arrived at the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, where it is planned for launch aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle by Arianespace. EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 is designed to serve both satellite operators and will provide flexible coverage over the Middle East, and North Africa.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130729/TO265)

"SSL, Eutelsat and Es'hailSat all share a commitment to the highest quality and reliability," said John Celli, President of SSL. "SSL has been pleased to support the creative arrangement between Eutelsat and Es'hailSat to share a complex multi-mission satellite, and we eagerly await the launch."

The satellite is designed to provide television broadcasting, telecommunications and government services in the Middle East and North Africa via a Ku-band payload. In addition, the satellite has Ka-band capability to open business opportunities for both organizations. When launched, EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 will be positioned at 25.5 degrees East longitude.

"EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 will help us respond to the growing demand for capacity and reach in regions experiencing dynamic growth of digital services," said Michel de Rosen, CEO of Eutelsat. "We are looking forward to the coming launch."

"SSL delivered a highly capable, flexible, and reliable satellite," said Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari, CEO of Es'hailSat. "We are very excited to see our first satellite being prepared for launch."

EUTELSAT 25B/Es'hail 1 has four steerable spot beam antennas and four deployable reflectors along with advanced command and telemetry capabilities. It is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. The spacecraft is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

About Eutelsat Communications
With capacity commercialised on 31 satellites delivering reach of  Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, significant parts of the Americas and the Asia-Pacific, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world's leading satellite operators. As of 31 March 2013, Eutelsat's satellites were broadcasting more than 4,600 television channels to over 200 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Group's satellites also provide a wide range of services for TV contribution, corporate networks and fixed and mobile broadband markets. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ over 780 commercial, technical and operational professionals from 30 countries. www.eutelsat.com

About Es'hailSat
The Qatar Satellite Company was established in 2010 and trades under the name of Es'hailSat. Based in Doha, Qatar, the company will own and operate satellites to serve broadcasters, businesses and governments. Es'hailSat has contracted with Space Systems/Loral to build its first satellite called Es'hail 1 which will share a spacecraft platform with the European satellite operator Eutelsat. Es'hail 1 is scheduled for launch in the summer of 2013 and will provide television, voice, Internet, corporate and government services across the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond.

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