Telesat Canada Awards Space Systems/Loral Contract to Build Nimiq 5 Satellite

Loral’s 1300 series has a total satellite power capability ranging from 5 to 25 kW continuously throughout the life of the spacecraft, and can support from as few as 12 active transponders to as many as 150 transponders. (SS/L photo)

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 5, 2007/Satnews Daily/ ― Telesat Canada has awarded Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications (NASDAQ:LORL), a contract to manufacture Nimiq 5, Telesat’s new high-power, direct broadcast satellite.

Based on SS/L's heritage 1300 platform, the satellite will be equipped with 32 active high-power Ku-band transponders, providing a strong footprint across Canada. Planned for completion in 2009, Nimiq 5 will have a lifespan of more than 15 years, operating in its geostationary orbit location of 72.7 degrees west.

Nimiq 5 will be the first satellite in Telesat's fleet to be manufactured by Space Systems/Loral.

As previously announced by Telesat, Nimiq 5's entire payload is under contract to Bell ExpressVu, Canada's leading direct-to-home service provider, to be used for a wide range of digital television services.

Daniel S. Goldberg, president and chief executive officer of Telesat Canada, said SS/L is being tapped to expand the company’s satellite fleet and assure a generation of Canadians reliable access to advanced video programming.

John Celli, president of Space Systems/Loral said SS/L is well positioned to help DTH satellite operators such as Telesat meet the growing demand for advanced video services. “With Nimiq 5, SS/L continues its legacy of providing advanced and essential technology for the delivery of entertainment and communications services around the world. We are proud to be working with Telesat and look forward to a successful relationship,” he said.

Last month, Loral Space & Communications Inc. that it and its Canadian partner, the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), entered into a definitive agreement with BCE Inc. (TSX/NYSE: BCE) to acquire 100 percent of the stock of Telesat Canada from BCE. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2007.

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