SSL-built ABS-2 satellite successfully performs post-launch maneuvers

PALO ALTO, CA, Feb. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that the ABS-2 satellite, designed and built for ABS, was launched yesterday 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 from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite will begin firing its main thruster later today in order to start maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140206/TO511)

"I would like to thank ABS and Arianespace for working closely with us to make the launch of ABS-2 a success," said John Celli, president of SSL. "This is the culmination of many hours of hard work and we are gratified to see the satellite performing according to plan."

ABS-2 is a highly sophisticated multi-mission C, Ku- and Ka-band satellite designed to provide multiple services including direct-to-home and cable television distribution, VSAT services, data networks, and telecommunications services across four continents. The satellite, which will be positioned at 75 degrees East longitude, has a total of 89 active C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band transponders across 10 different beams.

"ABS-2 is an extraordinary satellite and I'd like to thank SSL for its efforts to work with us to maximize its performance," said Tom Choi, CEO of ABS. "We look forward to many years of service on this satellite based on the reliability of the SSL platform. When it enters into service, ABS-2 will extend the reach of affordable and reliable communications and broadcast services to a broad swath of underserved regions."

The satellite is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances. It is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 75 SSL-built satellites currently on orbit.

About ABS
ABS is a young, dynamic and fast growing global satellite operator, with an entrepreneurial and creative business approach. ABS operates five satellites (ABS-1, ABS-1A, ABS-2i, ABS-3 and ABS-7) from 3 premium locations at 3°W, 75°E and 116°E.  Its sixth satellite ABS-2 was successfully launched yesterday.  Located at 75˚East and fitted with 89 C, Ku, and Ka-band transponders, it will provide broadcasting, telecommunications and data services for Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Russia/CIS countries.

ABS has also ordered two Boeing 702SP satellites (ABS-3A & ABS-2A planned for 2014 and 2015 respectively) with the options to add more satellites over the next 2-3 years to its growing satellite fleet.

For more information, visit www.absatellite.com.

Contact:
Penny Hill
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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.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

Media Contact:  Wendy Lewis
SSL
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