Commercial satellite built by Maxar Technologies' SSL successfully begins on orbit operations, demonstrating leadership in new space economy

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Mar 06, 2018, 09:00 ET

Hispasat 30W-6 communications satellite begins post-launch maneuvers according to plan
following its launch on SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket

PALO ALTO, CA, March 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - SSL, a Maxar Technologies company (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.) (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR), and a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, announced today that the advanced Hispasat 30W-6 satellite, previously called Hispasat 1F, was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan, demonstrating Maxar's leadership in the new space economy. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. It will begin firing its main thruster tomorrow to propel toward its final geostationary orbit. The satellite incorporates technical innovations that will help reduce mass and improve performance, resulting in an enhanced business case for satellite communications.

SSL-built Hispasat 30W-6 communications satellite was successfully launched by SpaceX. (CNW Group/Maxar Technologies Ltd.)

"The advances on Hispasat 30W-6 represent our strong commitment to providing customers with next-generation spacecraft flexibility, reliability, and value," said Dario Zamarian, group president, SSL. "Thanks to the teams at HISPASAT, SpaceX, and SSL for making this mission a success."

SSL and Hispasat worked together to include key developments on Hispasat 30W-6, which has a primary mission of providing communications services in Europe the Americas and north of Africa. It carries a state-of-the-art photonics receiver, which will prove the value of using the advanced technology for photonic frequency conversion and routing of radio frequency signals within the communications satellite. The photonics receiver demonstration, provided under technology partnership between SSL and DAS Photonics, replaces traditional microwave components with optical, solid-state components to demonstrate an integrated photonic solution. In the future, this technology will enable enhanced payload performance, greater architecture flexibility, and very high throughput satellite solutions.

"Hispasat 30W-6 is the fourth satellite that SSL has provided to our company, and expands our services offerings and capacity in the covered regions," said Carlos Espinós, chief executive officer at HISPASAT. "SSL continues to deliver reliable satellite solutions with cutting edge advances that improve our business case and help to enable future space systems and missions."

SSL
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 Maxar Technologies company (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR). For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

Maxar
Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) is a leading global provider of advanced space technology solutions for commercial and government markets including satellites, Earth imagery, geospatial data and analytics. As a trusted partner, Maxar Technologies provides unmatched end-to-end advanced systems capabilities and integrated solutions expertise to help our customers anticipate and address their most complex mission critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in over 21 locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of commercial space brands includes: SSL, MDA, DigitalGlobe, and Radiant Solutions. Every day millions of people rely on Maxar Technologies to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that empower a better world. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information visit www.maxar.com.