Telesat has been signed by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Pakistan’s  national space agency, to assist in the procurement and 2010 launch of the Paksat-1R satellite to replace the existing Paksat-1, Telesat announced March 13.

Telesat will initiate, evaluate and recommend manufacturer proposals for the satellite while providing technical and commercial advisors during negotiations. The operator will also help oversee the construction of the new satellite, and will monitor the launch and in-orbit testing services.