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.

Other posts by :

1. Crossroads backs AST SpaceMobile
2. FCC examines SpaceX’s 15,000 sat-constellation plan
3. EchoStar: “Severe uncertainty” led to spectrum sales
4. Netflix gets downgrade on Warner Bros move
5. UK trims Orbex investment
6. Euro-bank sets up €500m space fund
7. Revenue jump forecast for Eutelsat
8. Moody’s upgrades Eutelsat’s debt rating
9. Rivada Space Networks wins spectrum dispute

Categories: Articles, Broadband, Satellite