OREANDA-NEWS. April 13, 2016.
Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense
technologies, today announced that
Intelsat, S.A. (NYSE: I), operator of
the world’s first Globalized Network, has signed a contract to become
the first customer for Orbital ATK’s new satellite life extension
service. As one of the world’s leading commercial satellite services
providers,
Intelsat has a long track record for incorporating innovative
satellite technologies into its global operations. Under the agreement,
Orbital ATK will manufacture, test and launch the first Commercial
Servicing Vehicle (CSV), the Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1), which
incorporates flight-proven technologies the company has used in its
commercial satellite and space logistics businesses. After successfully
completing a series of in-orbit tests, the MEV-1 will begin its mission
extension service for
Intelsat in 2019.
“We are delighted to partner with Intelsat to introduce this innovative
new service to the commercial satellite market,” said
David W. Thompson,
Orbital ATK’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The MEV-1
demonstrates the combined capabilities of Orbital ATK following the
merger of our two legacy companies last year. The MEV-1 benefits from
the capabilities in space logistics that both companies had developed.
This new service is synergy at its best and presents an opportunity for
Orbital ATK to open a new market in commercial space.”
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 on this game-changing innovation,”
said
Stephen Spengler, Chief Executive of Intelsat.
“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.
Tom Wilson, President of Space Logistics, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Orbital ATK, said, “Rather than launching new satellites, operators
can extend the life of healthy in-orbit satellites, providing enhanced
flexibility through Orbital ATK’s scalable and cost-efficient
capabilities. Our simple approach minimizes risk, enhances mission
assurance, and enables our customers to realize the maximum value of
their in-orbit satellite assets.”
Orbital ATK will introduce in-orbit satellite servicing with the Mission
Extension Vehicle-1 which is based on the company’s GEOStar spacecraft
bus platform. Controlled by the company’s satellite operations team, the
MEV-1 uses a reliable, low-risk docking system that attaches to existing
features on a customer’s satellite. The MEV-1 provides life-extending
services by taking over the propulsion and attitude control functions.
The vehicle has a 15-year design life with the ability to perform
numerous dockings and undockings during its life span.
The launch of the first MEV is slated for late 2018 with in-orbit
testing and demonstration to be performed with an Intelsat satellite.
This testing is scheduled for completion by early 2019. MEV-1 will then
relocate to the Intelsat satellite scheduled for the mission extension
service, which is planned for a five-year period. Intelsat will also
have the option to service multiple satellites using the same MEV.
“With this first contract for satellite life extension we are creating a
new and very real market for space logistics,” said
Frank Culbertson,
President of Orbital ATK’s Space Systems Group. “Orbital ATK is already
a leader in the emerging space logistics market through our commercial
cargo delivery to the International Space Station, our participation in
NASA’s Tipping Point program and our work in designing a bus for the
asteroid robotic retrieval mission. The contract with Intelsat builds on
our leadership position and we are ready to introduce even more space
logistics capabilities and services for commercial and government
customers alike.”
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.
About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies.
The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation
systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and
merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related
propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense
electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition;
satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced
aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK
employs approximately 12,000 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in
several international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.
About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world’s first Globalized Network,
delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services
anywhere in the world. Intelsat’s Globalized Network combines the
world’s largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure,
managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable
customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network
services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people
worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity,
multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and
seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one
that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries
and transform the ways in which we live. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
Intelsat Safe Harbor
Statements in this news release constitute “forward-looking
statements” that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical
facts. When used in this release, the words “may,” “will,” “might,”
“should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “project,” “believe,”
“estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “potential,” “outlook,” and “continue,”
and the negative of these terms, and other similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.
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 December 31, 2015, and its other
filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
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. Intelsat does not undertake any obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
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.
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