SSL names undisclosed customer

Previously announced contract award is for multi-mission Ka-band satellite for Star One, providing communications in Latin America

PALO ALTO, CA, Aug. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Space Systems/Loral (SSL, a leading provider of commercial satellites, today named its undisclosed customer for a multi-mission communications satellite announced on July 18, 2013.  The satellite is being manufactured for Brazilian satellite operator Star One, a subsidiary of Embratel, a leading telecommunication company from Brazil.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130815/MM64563)

The satellite, named Star One D1, is equipped with C, Ku and Ka-band payloads and will be used for telecommunications, television broadcast, broadband, Internet access and other services such as digital inclusion in Brazil and in the Latin American region. Star One D1 will be the first satellite of Star One´s fourth generation and will  support the Olympic Games in 2016 that will take place in Rio de Janeiro, since Embratel, in a co-participation with Claro, has been selected as the Official Telecommunication Sponsor for this worldwide event.

"We are very pleased to have this opportunity to help Star One provide much needed services that will improve the human experience in Brazil and throughout Latin America," said John Celli, president of SSL. "This is the second satellite that we are building for Star One, and there is no better endorsement of our success than a customer returning to work with us again. Star One and SSL share a commitment to high quality and reliability and we look forward to continuing our close working relationship."

Star One D1 is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 satellite platform that provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications and technology advances.  It will be located at 84 degrees West longitude and is scheduled for launch in early 2016.  The satellite is designed to deliver service for 15 years or more.

"We are glad to announce this new satellite and to increase our presence not only in Brazil but in all Latin America´s region," said Gustavo Silbert, president of Star One.  "The D1 will help transform the lives of many people in Latin America who currently do not have access to the high speed communications necessary for both economic and social well-being."

About STAR ONE
Star One, a subsidiary of Embratel, is the largest satellite operator in Latin America. The company was founded in December 2000, and has a fleet of seven satellites. It operates four GEO satellites (Star One C1, C2, C3, and BRASILSAT B4), and two in inclined orbit (BRASILSAT B2 and B3), with a main ground station located in Guaratiba (Rio de Janeiro - Brazil). The Star One C3 together with the C1, C2 and C12 are the third and newest generation of satellites now. The Star One D1 will be the first satellite of the fourth generation. The capacity of these satellites shall support a range of solutions to customers in the telephony, TV, pay TV, data, broadband, Internet and corporate networks. For more information, visit www.starone.com.br.

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

Media Contact:  Wendy Lewis
Space Systems/Loral
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