Nimiq 5, 6

Nimiq 5 [SSL]

Telesat, has announced in January 2007 plans to build and launch Nimiq 5, the latest in the company's line of satellites carrying digital television to Canadian viewers. Telesat has selected Space Systems/Loral as the manufacturer for Nimiq 5, which is slated for launch in 2009. Nimiq 5 will be based on a SS/Ls LS-1300 bus.

A high-power satellite, Nimiq 5 is equipped with 32 Ku-band transponders. It will occupy Telesat's orbital position at 72.7 degrees West Longitude and have a lifespan of more than 15 years.

The satellite's manufacturing plan also includes contracts with the Canadian satellite industry, including multiplexers and switches from Com Dev International Ltd. and antennas from MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates, Ltd.

In December 2009, Space Systems Loral announced the contract for another satellite. The new satellite, Nimiq 6, which is fully leased to Bell TV, will provide Direct-to-Home television service in Canada.

Nimiq 6 is an all Ku-band satellite with 32 high power transponders. It will be located at 91 degrees West Longitude, where it will provide HDTV and advanced video services for Bell TV’s subscriber base. The satellite is based on SS/L’s high power 1300 spacecraft bus which provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications. It has a planned mission life of 15 years.