SSL-built satellite for AsiaSat begins post-launch maneuvers according to plan

AsiaSat 9 provides high performance for multiple missions including DTH, video distribution, broadband and mobility services

PALO ALTO, CA and HONG KONG, Sept. 29, 2017 /CNW/ - Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), Asia's leading satellite operator and SSL, a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that the high performance AsiaSat 9 satellite was launched on 29 September Baikonur time (28 September US time) and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). It will begin firing its main thruster on 30 September Hong Kong time (29 September US time) to propel toward its final geostationary orbit. AsiaSat 9 provides high-power C-band coverage and additional Ku-band capacity for direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcast, video distribution, VSAT broadband networks and mobility services across the Asia-Pacific region.

"It has been our pleasure to work closely with the AsiaSat team to develop this innovative spacecraft," said Dario Zamarian, Group President of SSL. "I would like to thank and congratulate the teams at AsiaSat, ILS and SSL for making the launch of AsiaSat 9 a success."

AsiaSat 9 is the fifth and most powerful satellite that SSL has provided to AsiaSat, and it will help AsiaSat meet the continued growth in demand for both broadcast, communications and connectivity in the region. It incorporates numerous technology advances for higher power, more efficiency and flexibility, and additional capacity that will drive advanced services for AsiaSat's customers.

"AsiaSat 9 expands our reach into new markets with excellent power and coverage, and helps us broaden and add even more value to the services we can provide to our customers," said Andrew Jordan, President and Chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat. "SSL is a trusted and reliable partner in innovating and advancing the capability of our satellite fleet and our collaboration on AsiaSat 9 has resulted in a satellite that provides much faster communication rates and greater efficiency and flexibility than AsiaSat 4, which it is replacing."

AsiaSat 9 is equipped with multiple C, Ku and Ka-band payloads that provide coverage including the world's first dedicated Ku-band Myanmar beam, new high-powered Ku-band beams for Indonesia and Mongolia, and two enhanced Ku-band beams serving Australasia and East Asia, as well as a wider high-power C-band global beam. It will replace AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East and is built on the SSL 1300 platform, and designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

About AsiaSat

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), the leading satellite operator in Asia, serves over two-thirds of the world's population with its six satellites, AsiaSat 3S, AsiaSat 4, AsiaSat 5, AsiaSat 6, AsiaSat 7 and AsiaSat 8. The AsiaSat satellite fleet serves both the broadcast and telecommunications industries. 700 television and radio channels are now delivered by the company's satellites offering access to more than 830 million TV households across the Asia-Pacific region. AsiaSat's new satellite, AsiaSat 9 was successfully launched on 29 September 2017 to replace AsiaSat 4. AsiaSat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited, a company listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 1135). For more information, please visit www.asiasat.com | LinkedIn | Facebook | Mobile App | Twitter

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 symbol TSX:MDA. For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com.

Media Contacts:

AsiaSat
Winnie Pang | Tel: (852) 2500 0880 | Email: wpang@asiasat.com

SSL
Wendy Lewis | Tel: 1-(650)-852-5188 | Email: wendy.lewis@sslmda.com

MDA
Wendy Keyzer | MDA Media Contact | 1-604-231-2743 | wendy@mdacorporation.com

Marissa Poratto | MDA Investor Relations | 1-604-331-2044 | mporatto@mdalimited.ca

SOURCE SSL