- NASA will evaluate Telesat (TSAT) solutions for space-to-space high data connectivity
- The company will demonstrate its Lightspeed network’s high-throughput capabilities with help from Planet Labs PBC
- The technology represents a compelling opportunity in near-Earth communications infrastructure
- Telesat is a global satellite operator
- Telesat (TSAT) is unchanged trading at $15.14 per share
NASA will evaluate Telesat (TSAT) solutions for space-to-space high data connectivity.
Subsidiary Telesat Government Solutions will oversee the demonstration. The subsidiary provides global communications networks for the U.S. government and its allies.
The US$30.65M Funded Space Act agreement is part of NASA’s Communications Services Project. NASA plans to decommission its tracking and data relay satellite system in the coming years and will be evaluating alternative networks to support future near-Earth missions.
Telesat will demonstrate its Lightspeed network’s space-to-space communications capabilities by partnering with Planet Labs PBC to develop a space-based RF terminal hosted on two Earth observation spacecraft.
Once in orbit, Telesat will demonstrate Ka-band, high-throughput transmission from the RF terminals to Telesat satellites at a higher altitude, as well as mesh, space relay connectivity between the optically-linked low earth orbit satellites.
“Space relay services via the advanced Telesat Lightspeed architecture provide a compelling value proposition for NASA and other government agencies, and we are excited to pioneer this promising and high-growth market,” said Tom Eaton, President of Telesat Government Solutions.
Telesat is a global satellite operator.
Telesat (TSAT) is unchanged trading at $15.14 per share as of 9:45 am EST.