Telesat has announced plans to build and launch Nimiq 5, the latest in the Ottawa-based company's line of satellites carrying digital television to Canadian viewers. Telesat has selected Space Systems/Loral as the manufacturer for Nimiq 5, which is slated for launch in 2009.
The plan to build and launch Nimiq 5 will benefit several prominent Canadian companies. Bell ExpressVu will have exclusive use of the satellite to provide a wide range of high-definition and specialty television services to its subscribers.
The satellite's manufacturing plan also includes contracts with the Canadian satellite industry, including multiplexers and switches from Com Dev International Ltd. and antennas from MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, Ltd.
"The procurement of Nimiq 5 underscores Telesat's strong commitment to continue to make substantial investments to expand our state-of-the-art satellite fleet for the benefit of Canadians," said Dan Goldberg, Telesat's president and CEO. "Nimiq 5 will augment Bell ExpressVu's portfolio of advanced direct-to-home satellite services and we're delighted to be working with Space Systems/Loral — a leading satellite manufacturer that shares Telesat's culture of operational excellence and technical innovation — on this important mission."
A high-power satellite, Nimiq 5 will be equipped with 32 Ku-band transponders. It will occupy Telesat's orbital position at 72.7 degrees West Longitude and have a lifespan of more than 15 years.
earlier related report
Space Systems/Loral To Build Nimiq 5 Satellite For Telesat Canada
Palo Alto CA (SPX) Jan 05 – Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space and Communications (NASDAQ:LORL) and the world's leading provider of high-power commercial satellites, today announced that it has been awarded a contract to manufacture Nimiq 5, a new high-power, direct broadcast satellite for Telesat Canada.
Nimiq 5 will be the first satellite in Telesat's fleet to be manufactured by Space Systems/Loral. Based on SS/L's heritage 1300 platform, the satellite will be equipped with 32 active high-power Ku-band transponders, providing a strong footprint across Canada. As previously announced by Telesat, Nimiq 5's entire payload is under contract to Bell ExpressVu, Canada's leading direct-to-home service provider, to be used for a wide range of digital television services.
Planned for completion in 2009, Nimiq 5 will have a lifespan of more than 15 years, operating in its geostationary orbit location of 72.7 degrees west.
"As two pioneers in satellite communications and systems management, Telesat and SS/L share a commitment to excellence and to the highest standards in the industry," said Daniel S. Goldberg, president and chief executive officer of Telesat Canada. "We look forward to working with SS/L to expand our satellite fleet and assure a generation of Canadians reliable access to advanced video programming."
"Space Systems/Loral leads the industry in the manufacture of high-power, direct-to-user satellites," said John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral. "The company is particularly well positioned to help DTH satellite operators such as Telesat meet the growing demand for advanced video services. With Nimiq 5, SS/L continues its legacy of providing advanced and essential technology for the delivery of entertainment and communications services around the world. We are proud to be working with Telesat and look forward to a successful relationship."
