A test satellite for Canadian operator Telesat was successfully orbited on January 12th. The satellite was built by UK-based Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL).

The Low Earth Orbiting LEO-Phase 1 craft is the first component of what will become a constellation of Telesat satellites designed to revolutionise broadband connectivity around the planet.

The Telesat LEO Phase 1 satellite, which will allow Telesat to test key performance parameters of its next generation global LEO constellation, has a mass of 168kg.  SSTL’s spacecraft operators will complete commissioning and orbit-raising manoeuvres for the satellite from SSTL’s Spacecraft Operations Centre in Guildford, Surrey (UK).  Once the Telesat LEO Phase 1 satellite has reached its final planned orbit, command will be handed over to Telesat for in-orbit operation using the Ka band payload from Telesat’s ground station at Allan Park in Canada.

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Categories: Articles, Broadband, Satellite