Telesat and MDA Space Complete Key Milestone for Telesat Lightspeed Constellation
Telesat and MDA Space have successfully completed the spacecraft Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the Telesat Lightspeed low Earth orbit constellation program. This milestone validates the satellite design's capability to meet performance requirements. The project involves an initial order of 198 satellites powered by MDA's AURORA digital satellite technology.
The companies are now moving forward with detailed engineering and manufacturing, including the Critical Design Review. MDA Space is constructing a new high-volume satellite manufacturing facility in Montreal to double its production capacity, where the Telesat Lightspeed satellites will be manufactured. Satellite launches are planned to begin in 2026.
Telesat e MDA Space hanno completato con successo la Revisione Preliminare del Progetto (PDR) per il programma della costellazione in bassa orbita terrestre Telesat Lightspeed. Questo traguardo convalida la capacità del design del satellite di soddisfare i requisiti di prestazione. Il progetto prevede un ordine iniziale di 198 satelliti alimentati dalla tecnologia satellitare digitale AURORA di MDA.
Le aziende stanno ora avanzando con l'ingegneria dettagliata e la produzione, inclusa la Revisione Critica del Progetto. MDA Space sta costruendo una nuova struttura di produzione di satelliti ad alta capacità a Montreal per raddoppiare la sua capacità produttiva, dove saranno realizzati i satelliti Telesat Lightspeed. I lanci dei satelliti sono previsti per iniziare nel 2026.
Telesat y MDA Space han completado con éxito la Revisión de Diseño Preliminar (PDR) para el programa de constelación en baja órbita terrestre Telesat Lightspeed. Este hito valida la capacidad del diseño del satélite para cumplir con los requisitos de rendimiento. El proyecto involucra un pedido inicial de 198 satélites impulsados por la tecnología satelital digital AURORA de MDA.
Las empresas ahora avanzan hacia la ingeniería y fabricación detallada, incluyendo la Revisión Crítica de Diseño. MDA Space está construyendo una nueva instalación de fabricación de satélites de alto volumen en Montreal para duplicar su capacidad de producción, donde se fabricarán los satélites Telesat Lightspeed. Se prevé que los lanzamientos de satélites comiencen en 2026.
텔레삽과 MDA 스페이스는 텔레삽 라이트스피드(Telesat Lightspeed) 저지구 궤도 별자리에 대한 우주선의 초기 설계 검토(PDR)를 성공적으로 완료하였습니다. 이 이정표는 위성 설계가 성능 요구 사항을 충족할 수 있는 능력을 확인합니다. 이 프로젝트는 MDA의 AURORA 디지털 위성 기술로 구동되는 198개의 위성의 초기 주문을 포함합니다.
이제 두 회사는 세부 엔지니어링 및 제조 작업을 진행 중이며, 여기에는 중요한 설계 검토가 포함됩니다. MDA 스페이스는 몬트리올에 새로운 고생산량 위성 제조 시설을 건설하여 생산 능력을 두 배로 늘리고 있으며, 텔레삽 라이트스피드 위성이 이곳에서 제조될 것입니다. 위성 발사는 2026년에 시작될 예정입니다.
Telesat et MDA Space ont réussi à finaliser l'Examen Préliminaire de Conception (PDR) pour le programme de constellation Telesat Lightspeed en orbite terrestre basse. Cette étape valide la capacité de conception des satellites à répondre aux exigences de performance. Le projet implique une commande initiale de 198 satellites alimentés par la technologie satellite numérique AURORA de MDA.
Les entreprises avancent maintenant vers l'ingénierie détaillée et la fabrication, y compris la Revue Critique de Conception. MDA Space construit une nouvelle installation de fabrication de satellites à haut volume à Montréal pour doubler sa capacité de production, où les satellites Telesat Lightspeed seront fabriqués. Les lancements de satellites sont prévus pour débuter en 2026.
Telesat und MDA Space haben erfolgreich die Vorprüfung des Raumfahrzeugdesigns (PDR) für das Telesat Lightspeed Programm zur Konstellation in niedriger Erdumlaufbahn abgeschlossen. Dieser Meilenstein bestätigt die Fähigkeit des Satellitendesigns, die Leistungsanforderungen zu erfüllen. Das Projekt umfasst eine erste Bestellung von 198 Satelliten, die mit der digitalen Satellitentechnologie AURORA von MDA betrieben werden.
Die Unternehmen schreiten nun mit der detaillierten Ingenieursplanung und Fertigung voran, einschließlich der kritischen Designüberprüfung. MDA Space errichtet eine neue Hochvolumen-Satellitenfabrik in Montreal, um die Produktionskapazität zu verdoppeln, wo die Telesat Lightspeed-Satelliten gefertigt werden. Die Satellitenstarts sind für 2026 geplant.
- Successful completion of critical Preliminary Design Review (PDR) milestone
- Confirmed order for 198 satellites
- Manufacturing facility expansion underway to double production capacity
- Clear timeline with launches scheduled for 2026
- None.
Insights
The successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the Telesat Lightspeed constellation marks a significant technical milestone. The validation of spacecraft design and key subsystems indicates strong progress in developing this 198-satellite LEO constellation. The transition to detailed engineering and manufacturing phase, coupled with MDA Space's facility expansion in Montreal, demonstrates tangible advancement in infrastructure development.
The AURORA digital satellite technology platform represents a modern approach to satellite manufacturing, potentially enabling more efficient production and improved performance. While the planned 2026 launch timeline appears reasonable given the current progress, satellite constellation programs often face technical challenges and delays. The successful PDR suggests the technical foundation is solid, though execution risks remain in the manufacturing and deployment phases.
This milestone could positively impact both Telesat and MDA Space's market positions. For Telesat, with a market cap of
MDA Space's investment in doubling their manufacturing capacity in Quebec indicates strong confidence in future demand. The 198-satellite order provides significant backlog and potential recurring revenue. However, investors should note that satellite constellation projects carry substantial execution and financial risks. Market competition from established players like SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper remains intense.
Spacecraft and multiple major subsystems pass preliminary design review
OTTAWA, Ontario and BRAMPTON, Ontario, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT), one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators, and MDA Space (TSX: MDA), a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, today announced that they have concluded a key phase in the Telesat Lightspeed low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation program with the successful completion of the spacecraft Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
The PDR is a critical checkpoint in the program. Its successful completion demonstrates maturity in the design that meets the program’s functional and performance requirements. As part of the process, the PDRs for multiple key subsystems have also been successfully completed.
The Telesat Lightspeed LEO satellite constellation is an innovative, advanced global network that will bring enterprise-class connectivity to customers worldwide. Telesat selected MDA Space as the prime satellite contractor for the constellation in 2023, awarding an initial order for 198 satellites powered by MDA AURORATM technology, the company’s new digital satellite product line.
With PDRs completed, Telesat and MDA Space are now transitioning to the program’s detailed engineering and manufacturing phase, including the Critical Design Review.
“Our teams have worked hard to reach this important milestone, which validated the capability of the satellite design to meet the Telesat Lightspeed performance requirements,” said Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO. “We are excited to move forward with the next phase, confident in the advanced capabilities of the satellites.”
“The Telesat and MDA Space program teams have been working closely together to advance the Telesat Lightspeed vision and to reach this important program milestone,” said MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley. “With construction of our new high-volume satellite manufacturing facility in Montreal underway, we are focused on continuing to advance the next phase of the program.”
Earlier this year, MDA Space began construction on a new facility to double the capacity of the company’s high-volume satellite manufacturing facility in Quebec, Canada, where the Telesat Lightspeed satellites will be produced. Telesat plans to begin launching satellites in 2026.
ABOUT TELESAT
Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) is one of the largest and most innovative global satellite operators. Telesat works collaboratively with its customers to deliver critical connectivity solutions that tackle the world’s most complex communications challenges, providing powerful advantages that improve their operations and drive profitable growth.
Continuously innovating to meet the connectivity demands of the future, Telesat Lightspeed, the company’s state-of-the-art Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, has been optimized to meet the rigorous requirements of telecom, government, maritime and aeronautical customers. Telesat Lightspeed will redefine global satellite connectivity with ubiquitous, affordable, high-capacity, secure and resilient links with fibre-like speeds. For updates on Telesat, follow us on X, LinkedIn, or visit www.telesat.com.
ABOUT MDA SPACE
Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, visit mda.space.
Telesat Forward-Looking Statements Safe Harbor
This news release contains statements that are not based on historical fact and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws. When used herein, statements which are not historical in nature, or which contain the words “will,” “plans” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements made in this press release are made only as of the date set forth at the beginning of this release. Telesat Corporation undertakes no obligation to update the information made in this release in the event facts or circumstances subsequently change after the date of this press release.
These forward-looking statements are based on Telesat Corporation’s current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Telesat Corporation’s control, are difficult to predict, and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. There are numerous risks and uncertainties associated with Telesat’s business and the Telesat Lightspeed constellation. Known risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: inflation and rising interest rates; Telesat’s ability to meet the conditions for advance of the loans under the funding agreements for the constellation; technological hurdles, including our and our contractors’ development and deployment of the new technologies required to complete the constellation in time to meet our schedule, or at all; the availability of services and components from our and our contractors’ supply chains; competition; risks associated with domestic and foreign government regulation, including access to sufficient orbital spectrum to be able to deliver services effectively and access to sufficient geographic markets in which to sell those services; Telesat’s ability to develop significant commercial and operational capabilities; risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; and volatility in exchange rates. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors should review the other risk factors discussed in Telesat Corporation’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023, that was filed on March 28, 2024, and the Form 6-Ks filed thereafter with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities at the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”), and may be accessed on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/ and SEDAR’s website at https://www.sedarplus.ca/.
MDA FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward–looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward–looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward–looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in MDA’s Annual Information Form available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. MDA does not undertake any obligation to update such forward–looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.
MEDIA CONTACTS
W2 Communications for Telesat
telesat@w2comm.com
Amy MacLeod
Vice President, Corporate Communications
613-796-6937
amy.macleod@mda.space
INVESTOR CONTACTS
James Ratcliffe
+1 613 748 8424
ir@telesat.com
Shereen Zahawi
Senior Director, Investor Relations
647-401-3230
shereen.zahawi@mda.space
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FAQ
When will Telesat (TSAT) begin launching Lightspeed satellites?
How many satellites has Telesat (TSAT) ordered for the Lightspeed constellation?
Where will the Telesat (TSAT) Lightspeed satellites be manufactured?
What is the current development stage of Telesat (TSAT) Lightspeed program?
