Based on the signed agreement, Telesat will rely on Thales Alenia Space to provide the space and mission segments of the Lightspeed project, as well as take responsibility for the end-to-end network performance and related specifications of the system.
“With our design and engineering work complete, we’re excited to move forward with Thales Alenia Space as our Prime Contractor to manufacture Lightspeed, the world’s most advanced and capable LEO network,” said Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat.
“Thales Alenia Space has an impressive track record and proven success in delivering innovative satellite constellations. We are grateful for the excellent work they have done to date on our project and look forward to working closely together to transform and redefine space-based communications with the Lightspeed network.”
As designed, Lightspeed’s space segment will initially be comprised of 298 satellites, in the 700-750 kg class. The network is also expected to deliver multiple terabits per second across the globe for secure, low-latency, high-performing broadband professional services.
“I want to warmly thank Telesat for putting its trust in our company, and we are proud to have been selected after successfully going through a very demanding competitive process,” said Hervé Derrey, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space.
“Thales Alenia Space is mastering end-to-end flight proven systems, digitalization of payloads, inter-satellite links, management of international organization as well as industrial capabilities dedicated to constellations, and we are honored to capitalize on all this expertise to serve this major program”.
As announced, the initial satellites are expected to be ready for launch in two years. Furthermore, the new deal was signed in the presence of Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy, Finance and Recovery of France.