Second Hughes-built satellite for Malaysia awaits launch.

KOUROU, French Guiana--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 1996--MEASAT 2, the second spacecraft in the Malaysia East Asia Satellite system, is scheduled for launch from Kourou Wednesday night (Nov. 13).

Built in Los Angeles by Hughes Space and Communications Co. (HSC), the satellite is due to lift off at 7:40 p.m. local time (2:40 p.m. PST, 23:40 GMT) aboard an Ariane 44L rocket from the Guiana Space Center on the northeast coast of South America.

Binariang Sdn Bhd of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is owner and operator of MEASAT 2, as well as the first MEASAT spacecraft, which was launched aboard another Ariane rocket in January. Both are Hughes HS 376 model spinning spacecraft.

MEASAT is Malaysia's first national satellite system, delivering a variety of direct-to-user services to residents. It also provides general communications services throughout the East Asia region, Australia and Hawaii.

MEASAT 2 has eight active high-power transponders and three medium-power transponders in Ku-band. In C-band, there are six active transponders.

The MEASAT satellites are growth versions of the HS 376, with three major enhancements over the standard model. They are the first in the series fitted with gallium-arsenide solar cells, which deliver 40 percent more payload power as compared with silicon cells.

They also are the first HS 376 models with Hughes' lightweight, high-gain shaped antenna. This antenna features a specially contoured surface that increases gain and eliminates the need for multiple feedhorns.

Additionally, the satellites are the first HS 376 models using the more efficient bipropellant propulsion system for stationkeeping and attitude control maneuvers.

Hughes also supplied equipment for a satellite control station on Malaysia's Langkawi Island and trained the Malaysian spacecraft controllers. In addition, under a MEASAT training program, Binariang and Hughes are providing assistance to a Malaysian university to set up a satellite technology and applications program.

HSC is the leading manufacturer of commercial communications satellites, having built more than 40 percent of those in operation. HSC is a unit of Hughes Electronics Corp. The earnings of Hughes Electronics are used to calculate the earnings per share attributable to GMH (NYSE symbol) common stock. -0-

NOTE: Video of the launch will be carried on Galaxy VI, transponder 2 in C-band. Media are welcome to use the video in their broadcasts.

CONTACT: Hughes Space and Communications Co.

Fran Slimmer, 310/364-6363