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Telesat To Restart LEO Satellite Demo Thanks To RocketLab Launch

RocketLab successfully launched a payload for Telesat, allowing the Canadian satellite operator to restart its low Earth orbit (LEO) demonstrations.

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Zac Aubert

Zac Aubert

Thu Jul 20 2023Written by Zac Aubert

RocketLab successfully launched a payload for Telesat, allowing the Canadian satellite operator to restart its low Earth orbit (LEO) demonstrations. 

The mission aimed to deploy Telesat's LEO satellite constellation, which is part of the operator's ambitious plans to expand global broadband coverage and deliver high-speed internet services to remote and underserved regions. The launch marks a crucial milestone in the satellite communication industry, as it enables Telesat to test and validate its innovative LEO technologies after facing setbacks in previous attempts.

Rocket Lab's Electron rocket was chosen as the launch vehicle for this mission due to its proven track record of reliability and cost-effectiveness for delivering small payloads to LEO. The Electron is equipped with Rocket Lab's proprietary technology, which allows the company to offer flexible and responsive launch services for small and medium-sized satellites.

The mission's success is particularly vital for Telesat, as it follows a series of technical challenges that temporarily halted the LEO demonstrations. The new launch provides Telesat with an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of its advanced LEO satellite constellation and showcase its potential to revolutionize global connectivity. Telesat's LEO satellite constellation consists of high-throughput, state-of-the-art satellites designed to operate in close proximity to the Earth's surface. These satellites leverage advanced communication technologies, including phased-array antennas and onboard processing capabilities, to deliver low-latency and high-bandwidth internet services.

The successful launch of these satellites will allow Telesat to conduct a series of in-orbit demonstrations and tests, assessing key performance parameters, network resilience, and real-world data throughput. The data collected during these demonstrations will be invaluable in refining the satellite network and optimizing its capabilities before it becomes fully operational.

"This is a significant moment for Telesat as we take another step towards realizing our vision of a global LEO satellite constellation. The successful launch and deployment of these satellites are critical for restarting our LEO demonstrations, and we are eager to showcase the potential of our advanced technology." - Dan Goldberg, Telesat's President and CEO

"We are honored to support Telesat in their mission to revolutionize global connectivity. The successful launch of their LEO satellite constellation is a testament to the expertise and dedication of both teams, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of their innovative technology on the world." - Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's CEO

With the LEO demonstrations now back on track, Telesat aims to accelerate its satellite deployment schedule and move closer to providing commercial broadband services to users across the globe. By leveraging the power of cutting-edge satellite technology, Telesat aims to bridge the digital divide and enable access to high-speed internet in even the most remote and underserved regions.