PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Photo Release -- Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (Nasdaq:LORL) and the leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that NSS-12, a satellite built for SES WORLD SKIES, a subsidiary of SES (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange:SESG), is successfully performing post-launch maneuvers. The satellite deployed its solar arrays Thursday evening, following its launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The satellite's first thruster firing will begin later today, to propel it toward its final geosynchronous orbit.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6781
"It takes teamwork and professional dedication to build and launch a powerful communications satellite like NSS-12," said John Celli, president and chief operating officer at Space Systems/Loral. "SES WORLD SKIES and Arianespace have been excellent partners, and I would like to commend everyone who contributed to this satellite's success."
When in-orbit testing is completed, NSS-12 will replace NSS-703 at 57 degrees East longitude, where it will reach an estimated two-thirds of the world's population. Based on the SS/L 1300 platform, it is the most powerful satellite in the SES fleet and it will enable communications for telecommunications providers, broadcasters, corporations, and governments in four continents.
"NSS-12 is the first satellite that we have procured from Space Systems/Loral and the process of working together has been a great success," said Robert Bednarek, president and chief executive officer of SES WORLD SKIES. "NSS-12 will allow us to provide seamless continuity and significant incremental capacity at a key orbital location, allowing existing and future customers to introduce new services, expand into new markets and replicate the success of the various video, government and enterprise applications currently transmitted via 57 degrees East."
Space Systems/Loral, which manufactures some of the world's largest and most powerful commercial satellites, has three additional SES satellites currently under construction at its Palo Alto, California facility. All three are built using the company's space-proven 1300 platform which provides the flexibility to support a broad range of satellite applications and technology advances. With the launch of NSS-12, there are now 59 Space Systems/Loral satellites currently on orbit.
About SES WORLD SKIES
SES WORLD SKIES is the new global division of SES, created through the combination of the former SES NEW SKIES and SES AMERICOM. The company operates a fleet of 25 satellites -- part of the 40 spacecraft of the SES group -- delivering services as diverse as television distribution and broadcast, internet access, data transmission and business and government communications to customers worldwide. SES WORLD SKIES' unique customer-focused approach allows it to offer the best satellite solution for a host of business and government requirements, with a view toward helping customers meet their short-term challenges and realize their longer-term goals. The company comprises a world-class team of customer care and technical professionals located in Princeton (NJ), The Hague, Washington D.C., Singapore, Beijing, London, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Sydney, Accra and Johannesburg. Visit www.ses.com for more information.
About Space Systems/Loral
Based in Palo Alto, California, SS/L designs and builds satellites and spacecraft systems for commercial and government customers around the world. As the leading provider of commercial satellites, the company works closely with satellite operators to deliver spacecraft for a broad range of services including direct-to-home television, digital audio radio, broadband Internet, and digital multimedia broadcasting. With more active transponders on three-axis controlled spacecraft than any other satellite manufacturer, SS/L helps customers meet business objectives with advanced solutions based on space-proven heritage designs. For more information, visit www.ssloral.com.
About Loral Space & Communications
Loral Space & Communications is a satellite communications company. Through its Space Systems/Loral subsidiary, the company is a world-class leader in the design and manufacture of satellites and satellite systems for commercial and government applications including direct-to-home television, broadband communications, wireless telephony, weather monitoring, and air traffic management. Loral also owns 64 percent of Telesat, one of the world's largest providers of satellite services. Telesat operates a fleet of telecommunications satellites used to broadcast video entertainment programming, distribute direct-to-home video and broadband data services, and other value-added communications services. For more information, visit Loral's web site at www.loral.com.
LORL-G
This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "believes," "expects," "plans," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "anticipates," "estimates," "project," "intend" or "outlook" or other variations of these words or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. In addition, Loral Space & Communications Inc., Space Systems/Loral, Inc. or their representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing, which may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and press releases or oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer of the company. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results as a result of certain risks and uncertainties which are described as "Risk Factors" and in the "Commitments and Contingencies" note to the financial statements in Loral's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Form 10-Q. The reader is specifically referred to these documents, as well as the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to (1) risks associated with financial factors, including the global economic downturn, our history of losses and financial covenants in SS/L's credit agreement; (2) risks associated with satellite manufacturing, including competition, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management of our factory and personnel; (3) regulatory risks, such as the effect of U.S. export control and economic sanction laws; and (4) other risks, including litigation. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. Furthermore, Loral and SS/L operate in an industry sector where securities values may be volatile and may be influenced by economic and other factors beyond the control of Loral and SS/L.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
