PALO ALTO, Calif.-SSL, a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that the multi-mission Amazonas 5 satellite, designed and built forHISPASAT, was launched yesterday and is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays on schedule following its launch aboard aProton Breeze Mlaunch vehicle provided byInternational Launch Services(ILS), and it will begin firing its main thruster tomorrow to propel toward its final geostationary orbit. The satellite will be used for video content delivery and internet connectivity in Latin America.

“It is an honor to support HISPASAT in its efforts to bridge the digital divide in Latin America,” said Dario Zamarian, group president, SSL. “SSL is focused on technology advances that drive value for our customers and help maintain satellite’s important role as part of the world’s greater telecommunications infrastructure. With Amazonas 5 we have provided a satellite with state-of-the-art technology for advanced television services and fast and affordable broadband.”

Amazonas 5 has 34 Ka-band spot beams and 24 Ku-band transponders, which will be used for broadband internet services, television, corporate networks, and other telecommunications applications in Brazil and Latin America. With this new satellite, the HISPASAT Group will help provide connectivity services to more than half a million people in Latin America and Brazil, and will enable broadcasting 500 new TV channels.

“SSL has been an innovative and reliable manufacturing partner in the expansion of our satellite fleet, and we are pleased that the satellite is performing as expected,” said Carlos Espinós, chief executive officer of HISPASAT. “As a leader in content delivery and connectivity via satellite, Amazonas 5 helps us meet the demand for advanced television services and fast broadband Latin America.”

Amazonas 5 is the third satellite that SSL has provided to HISPASAT and the company is also building HISPASAT 30W-6, which is expected to launch later this year. SSL built Amazonas 3, Latin America’s first satellite with a high throughput payload for broadband internet, and HISPASAT 30W-5, which was launched in 2010. Based on theSSL 1300platform, Amazonas 5 will be located at 61°W longitude and is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

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About HISPASAT

HISPASAT is comprised of companies that have a presence in Spain as well as in Latin America, where its Brazilian affiliate HISPAMAR is based. HISPASAT is a world leader in the distribution and broadcasting of Spanish and Portuguese content, and its satellite fleet is used by important direct-to-home television (DTH) and high-definition television (HDTV) digital platforms. HISPASAT also provides satellite broadband services and other added value solutions to governments, corporations and telecommunication operators in America, Europe and North Africa. HISPASAT is one of the world's largest companies in its sector in terms of revenue, and the main communications bridge between Europe and the Americas.www.hispasat.com.

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.