SSL-Built Satellite for HISPASAT Arrives at SpaceX Launch Base
01/16/2018
PALO ALTO, Calif. January 16, 2018 - SSL, a Maxar Technologies company (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.), and a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, announced today that the advanced Hispasat 30W-6 satellite, previously called Hispasat 1F, has arrived at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, where it will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Advances on the satellite demonstrate SSL’s ability to collaborate with its customers on innovations that will drive future space capabilities.
“It has been an honor to work closely with the Hispasat team to implement advances on a powerful state of the art communications satellite,” said Dario Zamarian, group president, SSL. “With Hispasat 30W-6 now at launch base, we are helping drive the industry forward with innovations that will help reduce mass and improve performance, resulting in a better business case for satellite communications.”
SSL and Hispasat worked together to include key developments on Hispasat 30W-6, which has a primary mission of providing communications services in Europe and the Americas. It carries a photonics demonstration, which will prove the value of using photonics for data routing within the satellite. In the future, this technology is expected to reduce satellite mass and enhance payload performance. The photonics receiver, provided by DAS Photonics, replaces traditional microwave components with optical, solid-state components that enable greater flexibility and throughput.
Hispasat 30W-6 was designed to provide service for television, broadband, corporate networks and other telecommunications applications. It will replace Hispasat 30W-4 at 30 degrees West longitude where it will provide service to Europe, North Africa, and the Americas.
“Hispasat 30W-6 is the fourth satellite that SSL has provided to our company,” said Carlos Espinós, chief executive officer at HISPASAT. “SSL has been a flexible and reliable partner in working with us on technological advances that make satellite communications more cost effective and enable next generation space systems and missions. We look forward to using Hispasat 30W-6 to expand our service offerings and capacity in the covered regions.”
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.
Contact
Wendy Lewis | SSL Media Contact | 1-650-852-5188 | wendy.lewis@sslmda.com
Marissa Poratto | Maxar Investor Relations | 1-604-331-2044 | marissa.poratto@maxar.com
Nancy Coleman | Maxar Media Contact | 1-303-684-1674 | nancy.coleman@maxar.com
# # #
