Space Systems/Loral
Selected To Provide Powerful Communications Satellite To Hispasat
Group
(9 July 2008) Space Systems/Loral
(SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications and the world's
leading provider of high-power commercial satellites, today announced that it
has been awarded a contract to manufacture a new spacecraft forHispasat Group,
the eighth largest operator in the world and the leading operator in the
broadcasting and distribution of contents in Spanish and
Portuguese.
Hispasat broadcasts and distributes more than 1,000
TV and radio channels, including the contents of the most important
Direct-To-Home (DTH) services, in Europe and America, including its high
definition offer.
Hispasat 1E is designed to provide Fixed Satellite
Services (FSS) and Broadcast Satellite Services (BSS) for 15 years or more.
Scheduled to be available for launch in 2010, the spacecraft is a powerful,
state-of-the-art Ku-band satellite, which will be located at 30 degrees West,
further expanding Hispasat's coverage in Europe, the Americas, and North
Africa.
The new satellite will be capable of operating up to 53
simultaneous Ku-band transponders and is based on Space Systems/Loral's space
proven 1300 satellite platform, which provides the flexibility for a broad
range of applications. It will have a launch mass of approximately five tons
and will produce nearly 14-kW of prime power at end of life.
"Hispasat
and Space Systems/Loral share a commitment to expanding communications access
throughout the world," said John Celli, president and chief operating officer
of Space Systems/Loral. "We look forward to working together, and to the
flawless delivery of one of the world's best satellites."
With more than
50 years history and more than 1,400 cumulative on-orbit service years logged,
Space Systems/Loral uses its space-proven, heritage design as the reliable
foundation for incremental technology advances that help customers meet their
business objectives. SS/L has manufactured more than 220 satellites, with 54
satellites currently operating in space.
About Hispasat Group
The
Hispasat Group is the Spanish satellite systems operator for advanced
communication systems. It also provides solutions for engineering and new
advanced projects. As a pioneer in innovation, the company is internationally
acknowledged for the high quality and excellent technological value of its
commercial and government services.Hispasat offers a wide range of quality
satellite communications services, including audiovisual, business and
government services, broadband solutions, and advanced communications systems.
The group also provides the technological resources to intensify communications
with Latin America, strengthening the cultural and information
links.
Hispasat has proven experience in satellite engineering, launch
design, operation, and commercialisation, with satellite control and management
facilities in Spain, Brazil, and Argentina, and has an advanced system of
satellites aimed at filling the needs of the market and the attainment of
objectives of strategic consolidation, continued growth, and diversification.
Hispasat's satellite fleet is located in the orbital positions 30 degrees West
and 61 degrees West and provides a variety of communication services on both
sides of the Atlantic. Its coverage extends throughout Europe, North Africa,
and America.
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 high-power 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 a 50-year history and more than 1,400 on-orbit
years logged, SS/L helps customers meet business objectives with advanced
solutions based on space-proven heritage designs.
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 Canada, one of the world's largest providers of satellite services.
Telesat Canada 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.
(source: Space Systems/Loral)
