[Satellite Today 11-03-08] Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) and its joint venture partner has selected Telesat to manage in-orbit operations of both the MSV-1 and MSV-2 next-generation satellites to be launched into respective U.S. and Canadian orbital slots, MSV announced Nov. 3.
     According to the agreement, Telesat will now conduct in-orbit operations of the two next generation satellites, currently scheduled for launch in 2009 and 2010, from its satellite operations center in Ottawa, Canada, and its back-up facility in Mount Jackson, Va.
    Telesat will also perform pre-engineering work to prepare for the launch of MSV’s satellites, including developing software for operating and controlling them while in flight.
Telesat currently manages flight operations of MSV’s current generation MSAT satellites and operates a global fleet of 13 satellites in-orbit, providing tracking, telemetry and control services.