Telesat successfully launches Nimiq 4 broadcast satellite
Telesat, the world’s fourth largest fixed satellite services operator, has successfully launched its state-of-the-art Nimiq 4 satellite. Nimiq 4 is fully leased to Bell TV, and will enable Bell TV to expand its advanced digital satellite television services over Canada by offering more HDTV, specialty channels and foreign-language programming.
“Telesat’s Nimiq 4 satellite underscores our commitment to bring the most advanced satellite services to consumers across Canada – and all over North America,” said Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat. “Nimiq 4 will contribute significant revenue and EBITDA to our financial results and build on our longstanding relationship with Bell TV. We greatly value Bell TV’s trust in Telesat and look forward to delivering outstanding quality and reliability for their customers over the life of the satellite.”
Nimiq 4 was launched on a Proton Breeze M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Republic of Kazakhstan today at 3:48 a.m. local time. The satellite separated from the upper stage of the rocket and its signal was acquired by Telesat’s tracking station in Perth, Australia just over nine hours later.
Nimiq 4 was manufactured by EADS Astrium and International Launch Services (ILS) provided mission management of the launch.
Nimiq 4 will enter into commercial service after it has successfully completed orbit raising and comprehensive in-orbit testing. The satellite, which will be located at 82 degrees West, is equipped with 32 active high-power transponders in Ku-band and eight in Ka-band. The spacecraft has a solar array span of 39 meters, an expected 15-year mission life, and a launch mass of approximately 4850 kg.
About Telesat (www.telesat.com)
Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, Telesat is the fourth-largest fixed satellite services operator. The company provides reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Telesat now has a global state-of-the-art fleet of 13 satellites, with another two satellites under construction, and manages the operations of 13 additional satellites for third parties. Telesat is privately held. Its principal shareholders are Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: LORL).
