Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) and its joint venture partner Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. have 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. Telesat now manages flight operations of MSV’s current generation MSAT satellites.

Telesat will conduct in-orbit operations of MSV’s 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, Virginia. MSV reports that when launched, MSV-1 and MSV-2 will be two of the most powerful commercial satellites, enabling the company’s next generation network to provide seamless, transparent wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets and devices.

“In the satellite communications industry it is critical to select a highly experienced and qualified satellite operator to fly the company’s most valuable resource — its spacecraft,” said Robert M. Sorbello, vice president for Space Segment for Mobile Satellite Ventures. “MSV and Telesat have built a record of success over the past decade backed by a strong operational relationship. We are confident that we have chosen the best possible organization to provide in-orbit management of our two next generation satellites that will offer integrated satellite-terrestrial communications across North America.”

Telesat operates a global fleet of 13 satellites in-orbit (with two more under construction) and provides tracking, telemetry and control (TT&C) services for 13 third-party satellites, including both of MSV’s current generation satellites. The agreement calls for Telesat to perform pre-engineering work to prepare for the launch of MSV’s satellites, including developing software for operating and controlling them while in flight. While Telesat will manage in-orbit operations of the satellites, MSV will continue to manage network operations of its entire North American system, both current and next generation services, from its Network Operations Centers in Reston, Virginia. and Ottawa, Canada. MSV is developing an integrated satellite-terrestrial communications network, based on MSV’s patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology. Mobile Satellite Ventures is a joint venture between Mobile Satellite Ventures LP and Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. co-located in Ottawa, Canada with Telesat. MSVLP is owned and controlled by SkyTerra Communications, Inc. [OTCBB: SKYT].