Merah Putih, a name which represents the red and white of the Indonesian flag, deployed its solar arrays shortly after launch and will begin firing its main thruster tomorrow to propel toward its final orbit. The satellite is part of the critical telecommunications backbone connecting thousands of islands in Indonesia, other parts of Southeast Asia, and it expands service to South Asia.
Satellites are uniquely positioned to provide cost-effective and reliable service in regions such as South East Asia where the geographies can make fiber optic and terrestrial infrastructures difficult to build. The Telkom network demonstrates how satellite can seamlessly integrate into the greater telecommunications infrastructure to bring information and communications to underserved populations.
“SSL is the leading satellite manufacturer for companies in Indonesia and many parts of Asia,” said Dario Zamarian, group president of SSL. “I’d like to congratulate our colleagues at Telkom Indonesia, SpaceX and the many members of the SSL team who worked together closely to make this satellite and launch a success.”
Merah Putih, which will be located at 108 degrees East longitude, is an all C-band satellite that enhances both internet and telephone service for populations in remote regions and will be used to offload backhaul for cellular service.
With a launch mass of roughly 5800 kg, the satellite incorporates many technology advances including SSL’s composite strut tower, which is built using 3D printed components. It has 24 C-band transponders and 12 transponders for Extended C-band covering South East Asia, 24 C-band transponders covering South Asia. Today’s advances lower the cost of satellite capacity and enable better performance and reliability.
“SSL worked closely with the Telkom team to be sure to meet all of our requirements,” said Mr. Alex J Sinaga, President Director of Telkom Indonesia. “We are very happy that the satellite was completed ahead of schedule and now that it is launched, we can expand our service into new regions.”
Merah Putih is based on the powerful and reliable SSL 1300 platform, which provides flexibility for a broad range of applications and technology advances. It is designed to provide service for 16 years or more.
About Telkom
PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (“Telkom Indonesia”) is the largest telecommunications and network provider in Indonesia. The company offers a wide range of network and telecommunication services, including fixed wireline connections, cellular services, network and interconnection services, as well as internet and data communication services. Beside telecommunication services, it also operates multimedia businesses such as content and applications, completing its business portfolio which includes Telecommunication, Information, Media, Edutainment and Services (TIMES). Its shares are traded on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (“IDX”) and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), using the TLKM and TLK tickers, respectively. For more information, please visit http://www.telkom.co.id/en/.
About SSL
SSL, based in Palo Alto, California, is a leading provider of advanced spacecraft systems, with broad expertise to support commercial and government satellite operators and innovative space missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, in-orbit servicing, space exploration, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for 60 years, SSL’s advanced product line includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and autonomous solutions for remote operations. SSL is a Maxar Technologies company (NYSE: MAXR; TSX: MAXR). For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.
About Maxar Technologies
As a global leader of advanced space technology solutions, Maxar Technologies (formerly MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates) is at the nexus of the new space economy, developing and sustaining the infrastructure and delivering the information, services, systems that unlock the promise of space for commercial and government markets. As a trusted partner, Maxar Technologies provides vertically-integrated capabilities and expertise including satellites, Earth imagery, robotics, geospatial data and analytics to help customers anticipate and address their most complex mission-critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in over 30 global locations, the Maxar Technologies portfolio of commercial space brands includes MDA, SSL, DigitalGlobe and Radiant Solutions. Every day, billions of people rely on Maxar to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that Build a Better World. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information, visit www.maxar.com.
Contact
Wendy Lewis | SSL Media Contact | 1-650-852-5188 | wendy.lewis@sslmda.com
Jason Gursky | Maxar Investor Relations | 1-303-684-2207 | jason.gursky@maxar.com
Nancy Coleman | Maxar Media Contact | 1-303-684-1674 | nancy.coleman@maxar.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of Maxar Technologies Ltd. (the “Company”) with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the launch and operation of a satellite. Any such forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include contracts with any government or intergovernmental agency not being terminated. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. The Company cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not necessarily limited to: changes in government or intergovernmental priorities, mandates, funding levels, contracts and regulations; satellite construction delays; launch delays; launch failures; in-orbit failures; failure of third parties and subcontractors; and failure to anticipate changes in technology, technical standards and offerings or compliance with the requisite standards, or failure to maintain technological advances and offer new products to retain customers and market position.
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 and U.S. securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, under the Company’s EDGAR profile at www.sec.gov, or on the Company’s website at www.maxar.com.
