Canada-based operator Telesat has awarded a multi-billion-dollar contract to build its low Earth orbit satellite fleet to Thales Alenia Space. The global Lightspeed constellation is expected to count an initial fleet of 298 satellites integrated with an advanced ground network.
Lightspeed will operate in the Ka band, providing broadband connectivity for telecom operators, aeronautical and maritime users, enterprise customers and governments. The 700-750 kg satellites orbiting at around 1,000 km above the Earth will deliver multiple terabits per second for secure, low-latency professional broadband services.
The first satellites are expected to launch in around two years, with customer beta testing beginning shortly thereafter and commercial services commencing in the second half of 2023. Telesat said it is working on developing antennas and modem equipment for targeted customer groups.
Under the terms of the agreement, the manufacturing process will start already while the financing for the project is being finalized. The commencement of full construction activities and the final constellation deployment schedule are subject to progress on the financing.
Thales Alenia Space and its affiliate Telespazio also committed to take capacity on the new network as part of the contract.
Telesat also looked at working with Airbus on the new fleet. Thales Alenia Space previously built the Globalstar, O3b and Iridium satellites for low and medium Earth orbit. The signing of the new contract was attended by French economy minister Bruno le Maire.
