Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that a satellite designed and built for Intelsat, was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite, Intelsat 30, 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 start maneuvering into geosynchronous orbit.
Intelsat 30 is a 20-kilowatt class Ku- and C-band satellite. The Ku-band payload, identified as DLA-1, is designed to provide distribution services for DIRECTV Latin America in South America and the Caribbean. The C-band portion enhances Intelsat’s existing C-band service infrastructure serving Latin America. The satellite will be positioned at 95 degrees West longitude where it will be co-located with Intelsat’s Galaxy 3C.
“We were honored and privileged to have Intelsat’s trust to design and build this powerful satellite,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “SSL has worked together with both Intelsat and DIRECTV for many years, every time with a passion for excellence, quality and reliability. I would like to thank Intelsat, DIRECTV, Arianespace and the hundreds of engineers and technicians at SSL who helped make this highly sophisticated satellite a great success.”
Intelsat 30 is SSL’s eleventh 20-kilowatt satellite to be placed into orbit. It is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of applications and technology advances, including electric propulsion. Intelsat 30 is SSL’s 15th satellite with electric propulsion to be placed into orbit and the company currently has 11 additional satellites with electric propulsion under construction. Intelsat 30 is designed to provide service for 15 years or more. With this launch, there are 77 SSL-built GEO satellites currently on orbit.
About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) is the world’s leading provider of satellite services, delivering high performance connectivity solutions for media, fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure, enterprise and government and military applications for 50 years. Intelsat’s satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video and broadband services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and mobile broadband access, with Intelsat, envision your future network, connect using our leading satellite technology and transform your opportunities. Envision…Connect…Transform…with Intelsat, celebrating 50 years of space leadership in 2014. For more information, visit www.intelsat.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.”
Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com