Aug. 11 (UPI) — Telesat, the Canadian satellite operator, revealed that it will add nearly 200 advanced communication satellites to its low-Earth orbit network, bringing about a cost saving of $2 billion.
MDA Ltd., a leading space technology company, has been tasked with constructing 198 satellites for Telesat’s low-Earth orbit program. These satellites are slightly smaller, more efficient, and will result in an estimated cost saving of approximately $2 billion compared to Telesat’s initial projection.
“We have confidence in Telesat’s mission and vision, and we are thrilled that our software-defined digital satellite product will play a crucial role in achieving their objectives as we collaborate to usher in the next generation of space-based satellite communications,” said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA.
In addition, Telesat has secured an additional $2 billion in funding commitments from the Canadian federal and provincial governments to support the “New Space Economy” in the country.
“Canada remains a strong supporter of Telesat Lightspeed and will continue to contribute to solving some of the most pressing challenges we face here on Earth, including bridging the digital divide, addressing health issues, tackling climate change, ensuring national security, and more,” stated François-Philippe Champagne, the federal Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.
Unlike geostationary satellites, which orbit at an altitude of 22,300 miles, low-Earth satellites operate at a much closer distance, just a few hundred miles above the planet, and primarily serve as communication satellites.
However, many of these satellites are required due to their inability to handle the large amounts of data necessary for transmitting TV signals. In a separate event, Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 Starlink satellites into space from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Friday.
The satellites were deployed into low-Earth orbit, where they will join the existing constellation of thousands of Starlink satellites that provide high-speed and low-latency Internet access worldwide.
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