New Telesat satellite launching next month

OTTAWA – Telesat's new high powered satellite Nimiq 5 is scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on September 18, 2009, which will be September 17 in Canada.Using 32 high powered Ku-band transponders, Nimiq 5 is set to deliver a wide range of high-definition and direct-to-home television services across Canada and the United States. Its capacity is “fully pre-sold”, the press release detailed, and service will begin before the end of the year.Based on Space Systems/Loral's 1300 platform, Nimiq 5 has a planned 15-year mission life and will operate in geostationary orbit from 72.7 degrees West.www.telesat.com