Canadian satellite operator Telesat has decided to change the configuration of its Lightspeed low-orbit array and allocate a quarter of its original capacity to the Mil-Ka military range. The company explains this decision by the growth of defense costs and the demand for secure satellite communication with low latency against the background of geopolitical changes in the world.
For reference: Telesat is one of Canada's leading satellite telecommunications companies, that works over 50 years. The operator provides high-speed Internet, closed corporate networks, satellite TV and communication for aviation and sea.
Telesat CEO Dan Goldberg said, that the new configuration will allow Lightspeed to differentiate itself favorably from legacy geostationary systems, which use the protected Ka-band. The future network will provide a more sustainable, secure and productive communication on a global scale, including polar regions, which makes a strong case for Canada and its partners. The company noted, that the modification will not require a radical redesign of the system. Since the Mil-Ka range is located next to the commercial Ka, the adaptation of satellites is estimated at 25 million dollars - less than half a percent of the cost 156 apparatuses of the group.
Along with that, the satellite operator had to once again postpone the deployment of the commercial part of its network, which is now scheduled for 2028 year. Another delay is related to the production of chips for satellite processors and antenna arrays. At the same time, the launch of the two debut satellites is still planned for December 2026 year, and serial launches should begin from the middle of next year: to the end 2027 year, the company expects to have the mother in orbit 96 devices, which are enough for initial global coverage.
Source: https://spacenews.com