Artist’s rendition of a small satellite in LEO. Photo: SSTL

[Via Satellite 04-27-2016] Telesat has signed contracts with California-based Space Systems Loral (SSL) and U.K.-based Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) for two prototype Ka-band satellites to serve as part of a test and validation phase for an advanced, global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. Through an authorization from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Telesat has secured priority rights to certain Ka-band spectrum in Non-Geostationary Orbits (NGSO) at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to operate such a constellation.

SSL and SSTL are designing two distinct LEO High Throughput Satellites (HTS), which Telesat will then test and demonstrate in order to optimize the design and performance of its contemplated LEO constellation. Telesat anticipates launching the experimental SmallSats in mid-to-late 2017.

“We are now developing a global constellation of advanced, high throughput LEO satellites operating in Ka-band, which we believe will offer a number of important advantages for the global delivery of high capacity broadband services,” said Dave Wendling, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Telesat.