Telesat is a Canadian satellite communications company and operator, providing connectivity solutions to telecom, government, and enterprise clients globally. They are currently developing Telesat Lightspeed, a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation of 198 satellites designed for high-speed, low-latency broadband services. Telesat partners with companies like MDA Space, Orange, and Intellian for satellite manufacturing, terrestrial infrastructure, and user terminals. The company aims to begin launching satellites in 2026, with the constellation fully operational by 2027.
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Telesat and its vendors are covering the portion of Lightspeed costs not covered by government financing.
Telesat switched its prime Lightspeed satellite manufacturer to MDA Space.
Telesat leased land in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan for a new Lightspeed landing station.
The Estevan, Papineauville, and Shaunavon sites will host new landing stations that will route data between the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit satellite network and major fiber and internet exchange points.
Intellian is under contract to build all of the gateway antennas for Telesat Lightspeed under a 2024 deal.
The three Telesat ground stations will route data between the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit satellite network and major fibre and internet exchange points.
Viasat has a multi-year contract to integrate Telesat Lightspeed capacity into its in-flight broadband service.
Telesat bought land in Papineauville, Quebec for a new Lightspeed landing station.
The indirect subsidiary that received 62% of Telesat’s Lightspeed equity is a non-guarantor under Telesat Canada’s debt documents.
The initial Telesat Lightspeed constellation comprises 198 satellites.
Telesat announced its third-quarter results on Nov. 4.
Telesat intends Lightspeed to differentiate itself from SpaceX Starlink.
Telesat is presenting Lightspeed as part of Canadian sovereignty and defense solutions amid emerging global competitors such as Blue Origin’s TeraWave network.
MDA Space is completing a high-volume manufacturing facility in Quebec to double production capacity for Telesat Lightspeed.
Telesat plans to build four teleports in Canada and additional landing station locations in the United States, Latin America, and Asia.
Creditors filed suit alleging Telesat transferred 62% of its LEO business to an indirect subsidiary as a fraudulent conveyance.
The September equity distribution allocated 62% of Telesat’s equity of Telesat Lightspeed to an indirect subsidiary of Telesat Corporation owned by parent entities of Telesat.
Quebec’s Telesat Lightspeed landing station is expected to be completed in Q3.
Telesat designed the geographic spread of its three ground stations to provide resiliency, performance, and sovereignty benefits.
Telesat is positioning Lightspeed to serve government and institutional customers rather than consumer-focused markets.