MDA, Loral Finalize ViaSat Litigation Settlement Payments

Technology used on Hughes Jupiter 1 satellite, built by SSL, became a major subject of controversy, prompting ViaSat to take legal action. Photo: SSL

[Via Satellite 12-02-2014] Loral Space and Communications and MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) have reached an agreement on paying the $100 million settlement from ViaSat’s litigation with Space Systems/Loral (SSL). ViaSat accused SSL of patent infringement and breach of contract when the company, now owned by MDA, was part of Loral.

MDA/SSL has agreed to pay $55 million of the settlement. Loral is responsible for the remaining $45 million. Both companies have paid $23.4 million each to-date, including interest. Loral said the company will make additional payments totaling $22.7 million, including interest, on a quarterly basis from now until January 2017.