Telesat, one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators, and MDA Space, a trusted mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, announced that they have concluded a key phase in the Telesat Lightspeed low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation program with the successful completion of the spacecraft Preliminary Design Review (PDR).

The PDR is a critical checkpoint in the program. Its successful completion demonstrates maturity in the design that meets the program’s functional and performance requirements. As part of the process, the PDRs for multiple key subsystems have also been successfully completed.

The Telesat Lightspeed LEO satellite constellation is an innovative, advanced global network that will bring enterprise-class connectivity to customers worldwide. Telesat selected MDA Space as the prime satellite contractor for the constellation in 2023, awarding an initial order for 198 satellites powered by MDA AURORATM technology, the company’s new digital satellite product line. With PDRs completed, Telesat and MDA Space are now transitioning to the program’s detailed engineering and manufacturing phase, including the Critical Design Review.

“Our teams have worked hard to reach this important milestone, which validated the capability of the satellite design to meet the Telesat Lightspeed performance requirements,” said Dan Goldberg, Telesat’s President and CEO. “We are excited to move forward with the next phase, confident in the advanced capabilities of the satellites.”

“The Telesat and MDA Space program teams have been working closely together to advance the Telesat Lightspeed vision and to reach this important program milestone,” said MDA Space CEO Mike Greenley. “With construction of our new high-volume satellite manufacturing facility in Montreal underway, we are focused on continuing to advance the next phase of the program.”

Earlier this year, MDA Space began construction on a new facility to double the capacity of the company’s high-volume satellite manufacturing facility in Quebec, Canada, where the Telesat Lightspeed satellites will be produced. Telesat plans to begin launching satellites in 2026.

Click here to learn more about Telesat's Lightspeed LEO Satellite Constellation

Click here to learn more about MDA Space's Satellite Systems