Space Systems/Loral Tests iPSTAR-1

PALO ALTO, Calif., April 17 -- Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications, has completed static loads testing of communications satellite iPSTAR-1, which is being built by SS/L at its Palo Alto, Calif., facility for Shin Satellite Plc. of Thailand.

iPSTAR-1 is said to be the world's largest commercial communications satellite, with a launch weight of 14,900 pounds (6775 kilograms).

Static loads testing validates the spacecraft structure and its ability to carry the loads it will experience during the satellite's manufacturing, launch and operation in geosynchronous orbit.

Shin Satellite will use the spacecraft to provide broadband Internet services over large areas of Asia, Australia and New Zealand. With eighty-four spot beams and a total throughput capability of approximately 40 gigabytes per second, iPSTAR-1 will support individual user data rates of up to eight megabytes per second forward link and four megabytes per second return link, to as many as eight million users.

iPSTAR-1 will be launched in early 2004 into an orbital slot at 120 degrees East longitude.

For more information, visit: www.ssloral.com