Telesat’s Telstar 19 Vantage launching aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Photo: NASA

For the six months to the end of June, Telesat derived revenues of around CA$444 million ($341.23 million), a decrease of four percent compared to the first six months of 2017. Net loss for the six months stood at CA$21 million ($16.14 million). Telesat is the last of the big four operators to report its results, and similar to others, it saw falling revenues and profits.

Additionally, the company successfully launched the Telstar 19 Vantage High Throughput Satellite (HTS) in late July. This satellite is expected to enter commercial service later this summer after it successfully completes orbit raising and comprehensive in-orbit testing.

Earlier this week, Telesat selected two contractor teams to further develop system designs for Telesat’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. One of the teams is a consortium of Thales Alenia Space and Maxar Technologies, and Airbus Defence and Space leads the other team. Telesat anticipates deciding by mid-2019 on a prime contractor for Telesat’s LEO program.