Telesat Lightspeed

Lightspeed is Telesat’s Ka-band high-througput broadband communications constellation providing global low-latency internet access, which is initially to be comprised of 198 satellites.

In February 2021 Telesat signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space to build 298 satellites. But in May 2022 it was announced, that the initial constellation was downsized from 298 satellites to 198 and and the contract with Thales Alenia Space was cancelled in favor of a new conract for MDA built smaller satellites.

https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/lightspeed-1.htm

LEO Vantage 1: https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/leo-vantage-1.htm

LEO Vantage 2: https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/leo-vantage-2.htm

Telesat LEO 3 (LEO Vantage 3): https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/leo-vantage-3.htm

High-speed Internet across the country with Canada’s largest space program
September 13, 2024 Montréal, Quebec

Space-based technology ‒ including satellites ‒ keeps Canadians safe, helps us work, and connects us with the world.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today was joined by the Premier of Quebec, François Legault, to announce an agreement with Telesat to complete and operate Lightspeed– one of the world’s most innovative satellite networks. With a $2.14 billion loan from the federal government, Telesat Lightspeed will be Canada’s largest ever space program, supporting 2,000 jobs across the country through Telesat and its supply chain. This includes prime satellite contractor MDA Space, who develops and operates the iconic Canadarm technology.

Telesat Lightspeed will expand Internet and 5G networks in communities across Canada, with affordable, high-speed broadband connectivity. As a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite network, it will take less time to send and receive information, leading to better and faster Internet service, even in rural, remote, and Northern communities. The network will accelerate the federal government’s work to connect all Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2030.

Because of this investment, Telesat has already increased its Canadian workforce by 33 per cent over the last year. The company will also invest over $4.4 billion in our economy over the next 15 years, create 200 post-secondary co‑op jobs, and provide $1.6 million in scholarships to students in Canada, with a focus on women and Indigenous youth in science, technology, engineering, and math programs.

In addition, the Telesat Lightspeed network will help the Government of Canada bolster its satellite communications technology and support North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) modernization to keep Canadians safe.

To facilitate high-volume manufacturing, construction is underway on a 185,000-square-foot expansion at MDA’s satellite manufacturing facility in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. Once completed, the facility will be the world’s largest high-volume satellite manufacturing facility in its satellite class – creating jobs and supporting the construction of the Telesat Lightspeed project.

Telesat Lightspeed will improve high-speed Internet across Canada, create good-paying jobs, grow the economy, and ensure that Canadians are at the forefront of space technology. Alongside today’s announcement, the Government of Canada is bringing down the cost of living, supporting research and innovation, investing in affordable dental care, and helping every generation get a fair shot.

https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2024/09/13/high-speed-internet-across-country-canadas-largest-space-program

High-speed Internet for all Canadians: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/high-speed-internet-canada/en

High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/high-speed-internet-canada/en/canadas-connectivity-strategy/high-speed-access-all-canadas-connectivity-strategy