Telesat Selects Calian to Develop and Deploy Element Management System for Telesat Lightspeed Network

Rhea-AI Summary

Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) has selected Calian Group (TSX:CGY) to design, develop, and deploy the Element Management System (EMS) for the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network. The EMS will be important in connecting and maintaining operations for various components within the network, ensuring optimal performance. Telesat will use the EMS to manage the configuration of Lightspeed Landing Stations, User Terminals, and satellite onboard processors, as well as collect and share system data with Operations Support Systems and Network Operations Centers.

The Telesat Lightspeed constellation aims to offer high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to remote locations globally, supporting multi-Gbps data rates for various industries and helping bridge the digital divide. This project, the largest space program in Canada's history, is expected to create thousands of high-quality Canadian jobs and position Canada at the forefront of the New Space Economy.

Positive

• Selection of Calian Group to develop and deploy the important Element Management System (EMS) for Telesat Lightspeed network
• EMS will enable management of network components and provide full visibility of the constellation's state
• Telesat Lightspeed aims to offer high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to remote locations globally
• The project is expected to create thousands of high-quality Canadian jobs
• Telesat Lightspeed is positioned as the largest space program in Canada's history

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

Telesat's selection of Calian for the Element Management System (EMS) of their Lightspeed LEO network is a significant technological advancement. The EMS will be important for managing the complex network of satellites, landing stations and user terminals. This system will enable real-time monitoring and configuration management, essential for maintaining optimal performance in a cutting-edge satellite constellation.

The ability to collect and share system data with Operations Support Systems and Network Operations Centers is particularly noteworthy. This integration will provide comprehensive visibility into the entire constellation, allowing for proactive maintenance and rapid issue resolution. Such capabilities are vital for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of a network designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband to remote areas.

From an investor's perspective, this partnership demonstrates Telesat's commitment to building a robust, manageable infrastructure for their ambitious LEO project. It's a positive step towards realizing the potential of the Lightspeed network, which could significantly expand Telesat's market reach and service capabilities.

Market Research Analyst

The collaboration between Telesat and Calian represents a strategic move in the rapidly growing satellite internet market. With the global satellite internet market projected to reach $18.59 billion by 2030, Telesat's Lightspeed network is positioning itself as a major player. The selection of a Canadian partner for this critical component aligns with the project's goal of boosting the domestic space industry and creating high-quality jobs in Canada.

Investors should note that this development puts Telesat in direct competition with other LEO satellite internet providers like SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper. The focus on serving enterprise and government customers, particularly in remote areas, could provide Telesat with a competitive edge in high-value market segments. The potential to bridge the digital divide also opens up opportunities for government contracts and subsidies.

However, the satellite internet market is becoming increasingly crowded and Telesat will need to execute flawlessly to capture market share. The success of the EMS will be important in delivering the promised high-speed, low-latency service that customers in this space demand.

Agreement with Canadian technology provider includes EMS software lifecycle maintenance and support

OTTAWA, Canada, Sept. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT), one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators, today announced that it has selected Calian Group Ltd. (TSX:CGY), an Ottawa-based company with deep experience in delivering advanced technology solutions for the space, defence, and terrestrial sectors, to design, develop, deliver and deploy the Element Management System (EMS) within the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network as well as to provide lifecycle maintenance and support for the system.

The EMS will be instrumental in connecting and maintaining operations for various components within the Telesat Lightspeed network, identifying and addressing issues to ensure optimal performance. With the EMS, Telesat will be able to manage the configuration and capabilities of Telesat Lightspeed Landing Stations, User Terminals, and the satellite onboard processors as needed. In addition, Telesat will leverage the EMS to collect and share Telesat Lightspeed system data with the company’s Operations Support Systems and Network Operations Centers to gain full visibility into the state of the entire constellation.

“We are excited to support the Telesat Lightspeed LEO network with essential software and services for this cutting-edge satellite constellation,” said Valérie Travain-Milone, President, Advanced Technologies, Calian. “By enabling high-speed connectivity in remote and underserved areas, Telesat Lightspeed will empower industries and communities across Canada and beyond. We’re proud to contribute to this transformative project, ensuring reliable, affordable internet access on land, at sea and in the air.”

The Telesat Lightspeed constellation is a network of advanced LEO satellites and integrated terrestrial infrastructure that will offer high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to remote locations across Canada and worldwide. The Telesat Lightspeed network will support multi-Gbps data rates for government, aeronautical, maritime and enterprise customers, including industries such as oil and gas that operate in locations without access to fibre. Telesat Lightspeed will also help to bridge the digital divide, by expanding the reach of telecom networks in unserved and underserved areas.

“The EMS is a critical component of the orchestration of system segments in this advanced, enterprise-class network,” said Aneesh Dalvi, Vice President for Telesat Lightspeed Systems Development. “We conducted a thorough search to find an innovative partner that could meet our requirements and Calian demonstrated the technological knowledge and expertise to deliver this capability; selecting them is a significant milestone as we push toward the launch of the Telesat Lightspeed network.”

Calian’s EMS technology will play a crucial role in the network operations for Telesat Lightspeed, the largest space program in Canada’s history. In addition to helping to bridge the digital divide, the Telesat Lightspeed network is creating and sustaining thousands of high-quality Canadian jobs and puts Canada at the forefront of the burgeoning New Space Economy.

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 links with fibre-like speeds. For updates on Telesat, follow us on X, LinkedIn, or visit www.telesat.com.

About Calian

We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts:

W2 Communications for Telesat
telesat@w2comm.com

Calian
media@calian.com
613-599-8600 x2298

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,” “ensures” 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 enter into definitive funding agreements with the company’s Canadian federal and provincial government partners, and to meet the funding conditions of those agreements and of its vendor financing; 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, 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/ as well as our subsequent reports on Form 6-K filed with the SEC and also available on SEDAR.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Element Management System (EMS) in Telesat Lightspeed network?

The EMS will connect and maintain operations for various components within the Telesat Lightspeed network, identify and address issues, manage configurations of Landing Stations, User Terminals, and satellite onboard processors, and collect and share system data with Operations Support Systems and Network Operations Centers.

What are the main benefits of the Telesat Lightspeed constellation for TSAT?

The Telesat Lightspeed constellation will offer high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to remote locations globally, support multi-Gbps data rates for various industries, help bridge the digital divide, create thousands of high-quality Canadian jobs, and position Canada at the forefront of the New Space Economy.

When is the expected launch date for the Telesat Lightspeed network?

The press release does not specify an exact launch date for the Telesat Lightspeed network. It only mentions that the selection of Calian for the EMS is a significant milestone as they push toward the launch of the network.

What industries will benefit from Telesat Lightspeed's services?

Telesat Lightspeed will support government, aeronautical, maritime, and enterprise customers, including industries such as oil and gas that operate in locations without access to fiber. It will also help expand telecom networks in unserved and underserved areas.