SSL built satellite for EchoStar begins post-launch maneuvers according to plan

EchoStar XXI to Provide Mobile Satellite Capacity for Europe

Palo Alto, CA - Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems today announced that the EchoStar XXI satellite, designed and built for EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), 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 a Proton Breeze M vehicle provided by International Launch Services (ILS). The satellite, which will be used by EchoStar’s subsidiary, EchoStar Mobile Limited, for mobile voice and data communications services in Europe, will begin thruster firings tomorrow to navigate to its final geosynchronous orbital slot. SSL is a subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.(TSX:MDA), a global communications and information company.

“I would like to thank EchoStar, ILS and the SSL engineers and technicians whose patience, commitment, and teamwork helped make the EchoStar XXI launch a success,” said John Celli, president of SSL. “EchoStar and SSL have worked together for many years and both of our companies share a focus on providing reliable and innovative solutions to our customers. We are very pleased that EchoStar XXI is launched and performing as planned.”

EchoStar XXI is an S-band satellite for next generation Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) that will be located at 10.25° East. It features a large unfurlable reflector that will deploy after the satellite is on station. Based on the SSL 1300 platform, the satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.

EchoStar Mobile will utilize a portion of EchoStar XXI’s capacity to provide mobile satellite services (MSS) capacity throughout the European Union. EchoStar Mobile is an EU-wide licensee for an integrated mobile satellite service network with a complementary ground component.

“EchoStar XXI will provide commercial wholesalers with a new, advanced network for reliable, IP-based MSS voice and data services in Europe,” said Anders Johnson, executive director of EchoStar Mobile and president of EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. “SSL has been a trusted and innovative partner in the expansion of our highly advanced satellite fleet.”

SSL has built more than a dozen satellites for EchoStar and its affiliates, including the world’s highest capacity broadband satellite, EchoStar XIX, which was successfully launched in 2016. SSL-built EchoStar XXIII was successfully launched in March 2017 and is providing service according to plan.

About EchoStar

EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite communication solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in secure communications technologies through its Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments. For more information, visit echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.

About EchoStar Mobile Limited

EchoStar Mobile Limited, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corp., is a mobile operator providing connectivity across Europe. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, EchoStar Mobile provides access to a hybrid satellite and terrestrial network enabling enhanced mobile voice and data communications for businesses, government agencies and consumers. For more information, visit echostarmobile.com.

About SSL

Space Systems Loral (SSL) is a leading provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for 60 years, SSL’s advanced product line also includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and automation solutions for remote operations. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

About SSL MDA Holdings

SSL is a subsidiary of SSL MDA Holdings, Inc., which is based in San Francisco, CA. SSL MDA Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and serves as the operating company for all MDA business.

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 "MDA."

Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com
www.sslmda.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively “MDA” or the “Company”) with respect to future events and financial performance. When used in this news 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. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Known risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; risks associated with satellite manufacturing, including competition, cyclicality of MDA’s end-user markets, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management of MDA’s factory and personnel; risk associated with financial factors such as volatility in exchange rates, increases in interest rates, restrictions on access to capital by the customer or MDA, and swings in global financial markets; risks associated with domestic and foreign government regulation, including export controls and economic sanctions; and other risks, including litigation. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. The information contained in this news release reflects MDA’s beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, MDA disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com.

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