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 still plans to launch the first two Lightspeed satellites in December 2026.
Telesat's Lightspeed LEO system is intended to provide secure and resilient connectivity services to governments, businesses, and defense users.
Telesat attributed the revenue decline to lower rates and capacity from North American direct-to-home television customers and lower revenue from enterprise customers in rural broadband markets.
Telesat says the development of Mil-Ka for Lightspeed responds to evolving operational requirements, technological advances, and higher defense spending by NATO and other allies.
Telesat expects the Mil-Ka spectrum change to be implemented without affecting the Lightspeed program schedule.
Telesat aims to provide persistent global coverage that includes the Arctic region.
Telesat has postponed the start of full Lightspeed service until the first quarter of 2028.
Telesat has maintained profitability through cost structure optimization.
Telesat expects to have about 96 satellites in orbit by the end of 2027.
Telesat plans a high-cadence launch campaign during 2027 for Lightspeed.
Telesat expects to launch the first two Lightspeed satellites in late 2026.
Telesat has a heavy launch cadence planned throughout 2027 for Lightspeed.
Telesat Lightspeed satellites are under development by MDA Space.
Telesat’s GEO backlog was CA$800 million at the end of 2025.
Telesat reported consolidated revenue of $418 million for 2025, down 27% from $571 million in the previous year.
Telesat now targets Q1 2028 for full global commercial service launch for Lightspeed, after initially expecting late 2027.
Telesat reported consolidated revenue of CA$418 million for 2025.
Telesat’s Lightspeed backlog was CA$1 billion at the end of 2025.
Telesat ended 2025 with a GEO backlog of $800 million and a LEO backlog of $1.0 billion.
Hanwha Systems signed separate memorandums of understanding with Telesat and MDA Space in January to explore using their communications infrastructure for K-LEO.