Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (Nasdaq:LORL), has been selected to provide a new satellite to Hughes Network Systems, LLC — Hughes will operate the new satellite to deliver high-speed Internet access service across North America.

Employing a multi-spot beam, bent pipe Ka-band architecture, the new geostationary satellite will provide significant additional capacity for HughesNet service in North America and will augment the SPACEWAY 3 satellite system, which Hughes placed into commercial service in April, 2008. Scheduled for launch in 2012, the new satellite is based on the powerful SS/L 1300 satellite platform, which provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications. The satellite is designed to provide service for 15 years or more.