Palo Alto, Calif. and Paris– May 2, 2016 — Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) and Space Systems Loral (SSL) have successfully carried out transmissions in Extremely High Frequencies (EHF) using an experimental payload flown into space on the EUTELSAT 65 West A satellite.
"The two companies are analysing the potential of the Q/V band (40-50 GHz) as an enabler of future Terabit satellite broadband programmes. The data assembled will help steer the design of adaptive techniques and hub architectures that will shape the blueprint of future broadband communications systems.”
Extremely High Frequencies stand to enhance the performance of the next generation of High Throughput Satellite programmes. By offloading backhaul links between a satellite and its hubs from the Ka-band to the Q/V band, significantly more bandwidth can be made available for users and the number of hubs can be reduced, helping drive down cost per bit.
As one of the first commercial operators to test EHF communications, Eutelsat can gain advanced insight into the conditions and timetable for adopting enabling technologies that enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of future High Throughput Satellites.
For SSL, the Q/V band demonstration is a step forward on its roadmap for implementing new technologies that will support next generation telecommunication solutions.
About Eutelsat Communications
Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world's leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 40 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Eutelsat’s satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user’s location. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 37 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service. For more about Eutelsat, please visit.www.eutelsat.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 more than 50 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.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of Space Systems Loral (SSL) 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 SSL’s end-user markets, contractual risks, creditworthiness of customers, performance of suppliers and management of SSL’s factory and personnel; risk associated with financial factors such as volatility in exchange rates, increases in interest rates, restrictions on access to capital, 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 SSL’s beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, SSL disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.
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