SSL selected to help U.S. Air Force test and validate scenarios for hosting payloads

PALO ALTO, CA, Sept. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced it was selected by Innoflight, Inc., a veteran-owned business specializing in electronics systems for Defense & Aerospace, to provide a high fidelity simulation environment for testing the security of hosted payloads on commercial satellites. The capability, which is being developed for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) as part of its Secure IP Payload Accommodation Demonstration Project, will enable SMC to demonstrate cybersecure payload hosting scenarios, concepts of operation, and cybersecurity controls.

The capability will also demonstrate advanced, secure internet protocol connections between a government payload operations center and the hosted payload using the existing satellite operator's networking infrastructure, eliminating the high cost of specialized space to ground communication systems.

"SSL has significant experience integrating hosted payloads into our leading commercial spacecraft platform, the SSL 1300," said Richard White, president of SSL Government Systems. "Our commercial experience positions us well to provide the precise test environment that Innoflight requires to demonstrate how its secure interface solution will ensure cybersecurity for U.S. government missions. This work will become an integral part of SSL's secure interface for hosted payloads, and will make the benefits of the hosted payload model more readily accessible to both government and commercial customers."

The hosted payload interface is expected to play a key role in enabling resilient, next-generation space architectures.

"A key factor in our selection of SSL to work with us in support of SMC was the company's leadership in commercial satellite design," said Jeffrey Janicik, President of Innoflight. "Our test environment will benefit from SSL's global reach and high level experience with hosted payloads and secure communications."

Please visit SSL's new website which reflects the company's broad capabilities as a provider of integrated space technologies and systems.

About SSL

Space Systems Loral (SSL), based in Palo Alto, California, is a leading provider of advanced spacecraft systems, with broad expertise to support commercial and government satellite operators and innovative space missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, in-orbit servicing, space exploration, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for 60 years, SSL's advanced product line includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and autonomous solutions for remote operations.  SSL is a subsidiary of SSL MDA Holdings, Inc., a U.S. operating company.  For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

About SSL MDA Holdings

SSL MDA Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and serves as the operating company for all MDA businesses. SSL MDA Holdings is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

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 15 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbolTSX:MDA. For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com.

Contact

Wendy Lewis | SSL Media Contact | 1-650-852-5188 | [email protected]

Wendy Keyzer | MDA Media Contact | 1-604-231-2743 | [email protected]

Marissa Poratto | MDA Investor Relations | 1-604-331-2044 | [email protected]

SOURCE SSL