Telesat

As one of the largest satellite operators in the world, Telesat’s innovations have been central to the establishment and growth of satellite communications. This timeline highlights key milestones during our 55+ years of creating connections. Telesat launched Anik A1, the world’s first commercial domestic communications satellite in geostationary orbit. Telesat launched the first commercial Ku-band satellite on which was offered the first direct-to-home (DTH) television service, laying the groundwork for the global DTH industry. Telesat co-located two satellites in a single orbital slot for the first time, now a widely used industry practice. Telesat launched Anik F2, the first satellite to provide consumer Ka-band broadband services. Telesat launched Telstar 11N, the first satellite to provide Ku-band coverage of the Atlantic Ocean from the Arctic Circle to the Equator. Telesat launched Anik G1, the first commercial satellite with substantial X-band coverage of the Pacific Ocean and Hawaii to service the Canadian government and its allies. Telesat launched Telstar 12 VANTAGE, the first of our high throughput satellites (HTS) to combine HTS and broad beams to maximize throughput, efficiency and flexibility. Telesat conducts the world’s first 5G backhaul demo over LEO satellite in partnership with Vodafone and the University of Surrey. Telesat celebrates the achievements that have shaped the global satellite communications industry for 50 years.