OTTAWA – Telesat’s newest direct broadcast satellite, Nimiq 6, launched successfully from the Baikonur Space Center in the Republic of Kazakhstan late Friday.
Nimiq 6, which will be located at 91.1 degrees West, carries 32 high powered Ku-band transponders that are fully contracted to Bell TV for 15 years.
“The state-of-the-art capabilities of Nimiq 6 reflect Telesat’s commitment to bring the most advanced satellite services to our customers,” said president and CEO Dan Goldberg, in the announcement. “Nimiq 6 will contribute to Telesat’s revenue and EBITDA in 2012 and for years to come."
Manufactured by Space Systems/Loral, the satellite has a mass of approximately 4500 kg and an expected 15 year mission life. Nimiq 6 will enter into commercial service after it has successfully completed orbit raising and in-orbit testing.
