News Release
Pioneers in Space: Orbital ATK Announces Intelsat as Anchor Customer for New Satellite Life Extension Service
Company Begins Production of First of a Planned Fleet of Commercial In-Space Servicing and Repair Vehicles
Mission Extension Vehicle-1 for Intelsat Scheduled for 2018 Launch
Announcement Expands Orbital ATK’s Leadership in Space Logistics
“We are delighted to partner with
Mr. Thompson continued, adding, “There is a vital need to service fully functional but ageing satellites in both commercial and government markets. Backed by our continued investment, today’s announcement signals that we are just getting started in expanding our CSV fleet to provide a diverse array of in-space services in the future.”
“Given the size of our satellite fleet, any technology that enhances our
in-orbit flexibility allows us to be more responsive to our customers,
such as extending the life of a healthy satellite so that it can be
deployed for a late-breaking opportunity at another orbital location or
maintaining service continuity before the arrival of new technology. We
have actively supported in-orbit servicing from its inception, and are
proud to pioneer with
“Orbital ATK is an established satellite manufacturer with the platform as well as the system and operational expertise to make this happen. We will break new ground together with this space rendezvous at 22,000 miles above the earth and I am already looking forward to the in-orbit servicing possibilities that future robotic technologies will enable,” Mr. Spengler concluded.
The launch of the first MEV is slated for late 2018 with in-orbit
testing and demonstration to be performed with an
“With this first contract for satellite life extension we are creating a
new and very real market for space logistics,” said
Orbital ATK’s vision is to establish a fleet of servicing vehicles that can address the diverse servicing needs of GEO satellites as well as perform other services such as repair and assembly. In addition to its commercial mission extension services, the company is working closely with U.S. government agencies to develop additional space logistics technologies, such as robotics and high-power, solar-electric propulsion.
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About
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The forward-looking statements reflect Intelsat’s intentions, plans,
expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are
subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are
outside of Intelsat’s control. Important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied
in the forward-looking statements include known and unknown risks. Known
risks include, among others, the risks described in Intelsat’s annual
report on Form 20-F for the year ended
Because actual results could differ materially from Intelsat’s
intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about the
future, you are urged to view all forward-looking statements with
caution.
Orbital ATK Safe Harbor
Certain statements in this press release may be “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often include the words “forecast,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “intend,” “plan,” and words of similar substance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or performance to differ, including the company’s ability to attract and maintain customers; the failure to win or retain key contracts; the failure of relevant business markets to develop as quickly as expected; the availability of sufficient funding; the successful development of key technologies; and the costs and ultimate outcome of contingencies, including litigation and other legal proceedings. Orbital ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160412006249/en/
Source:
Orbital ATK Media Contact:
Vicki Cox, 410-409-8723
Director
of Communications
Orbital ATK’s Space Systems Group
vicki.cox@orbitalatk.com
or
Orbital
ATK Investor Contact:
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528
Vice
President of Investor Relations
Orbital ATK
barron.beneski@orbitalatk.com
or
Intelsat
Media and Investor Contact:
Michele Loguidice, 703-559-7372
Director,
Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
Intelsat
michele.loguidice@intelsat.com