SS/L-Built Galaxy 18 Satellite Successfully Launched
(Palo Alto, Calif., May 21, 2008) -- Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (Nasdaq:LORL), and the world's leading provider of high-power commercial satellites, today announced that the Galaxy 18 satellite built for Intelsat, the world's leading provider of commercial satellite services, was successfully launched aboard a Zenit-3SLB rocket from Sea Launch's Odyssey Launch Platform at the Equator. The satellite achieved solar array deployment several hours after separation and will begin firing its main thruster tomorrow in order to maneuver into geosynchronous orbit.
"Galaxy 18 is the 42nd Space Systems/Loral satellite to join our fleet. Many of these SS/L satellites have critical roles in our global infrastructure and their reliability continues to enable Intelsat to provide high value services to our customers," commented Thierry Guillemin, Intelsat's Senior Vice President & Chief Technical Officer. "We are very pleased with our successful and long-standing relationship with Space Systems/Loral."
Space Systems/Loral has been providing satellites to Intelsat since the early 1980s and has provided more spacecraft for the Intelsat fleet than any other manufacturer. The Galaxy 18 spacecraft was completed in just 22 months, which was three months ahead of schedule; however launch was delayed as a result of launch vehicle availability.
"Teamwork and open communications are key to the success of our longstanding relationship with Intelsat," said John Celli, president and chief operating officer of Space Systems/Loral. "As leaders in our respective industries we are always pleased to work together to advance the world's ability to communicate. Galaxy 18 marks another step in our ongoing collaboration."
Source : Space Systems/Loral
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