Space Systems/Loral Delivers ProtoStar I to Launch Base

May 27, 2008

Space Systems/Loral has shipped ProtoStar I to Kourou, French Guiana, where it is scheduled to launch as early as June 24th aboard an Ariane 5 launch vehicle.

"Space Systems/Loral has been able to deliver a satellite customized to our requirements in a timely and professional manner," said Philip Father, chief executive officer of ProtoStar. "We have worked closely with SS/L throughout this project and are very impressed with the passion and commitment of all the engineers and technicians that have been involved."

The satellite, which was designed to meet the needs of both emerging and existing direct-to-home (DTH) operators in the Asian market as well as other broadband communication needs in the region, was completed for ProtoStar less than 17 months after the contract was signed. It is the first in a fleet of multiple satellites ProtoStar plans to launch that will enable its in-country partners to offer advanced satellite television services and powerful two-way broadband Internet access.

"ProtoStar I is the third satellite that SS/L has shipped for launch this year," said John Celli, president and chief operating officer of Space Systems/Loral. "It is rewarding to see the tangible evidence of our ability to deliver within commercial schedule constraints and to help our customers meet business plan requirements."

Space Systems/Loral was able to deliver the satellite in just over a year because the project involved modifications to an existing satellite, which ProtoStar purchased from its previous owner. SS/L then tailored the spacecraft to meet the defined power and footprint/coverage requirements of ProtoStar's customers.

The satellite is based on SS/L's highly reliable, high heritage, 1300 spacecraft bus, which provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications. It will operate in both Ku-Band and C-Band and is expected to provide more than 15 years of service.