Pakistan selects Telesat for procurement and launch of Paksat 1-R satellite
Tuesday March 13, 2007
OTTAWA, March 13 /CNW/ - Telesat, one of the world's leading satellite operators, announced today that it has signed a consulting contract with the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Pakistan's national space agency. Under the agreement, Telesat will assist SUPARCO in the procurement and launch of the Paksat-1R satellite, which will replace the existing Paksat-1 in 2010.
"Telesat's new relationship with Pakistan's national space agency is testimony to Telesat's longstanding reputation for integrity, reliability and deep expertise in the field of satellite communications services," said Dan Goldberg, Telesat's president and CEO. "For more than 35 years, Telesat has been a pioneer in leading-edge satellite communications and it's a privilege to put that experience to work to benefit the people of Pakistan."
Telesat's services will include initiating, evaluating and recommending manufacturer proposals for Paksat-1R, and providing technical and commercial advisors during the negotiation process. Telesat will also help oversee the construction of the new satellite, and will monitor the launch and in-orbit testing services.
"SUPARCO is committed to explore and expand our country's satellite technology, and Telesat can certainly help in reaching this goal," said a SUPARCO spokesperson. "Telesat shares SUPARCO's vision and passion for developing advanced satellite services for the benefit of millions of people, everyday."
About Telesat (
www.telesat.ca)
Headquartered in Ottawa, Telesat Canada is one of the world's pioneers in satellite communications and systems management. Created in 1969, the company made history three years later with the launch of Anik A1, the world's first domestic communications satellite in geostationary orbit operated by a commercial company.
Telesat operates a fleet of satellites that provide broadcast distribution and telecommunications services, and is a highly respected consultant and partner in satellite ventures around the world. Telesat has offices throughout Canada, in the United States and in Brazil. On December 18th, 2006, Telesat's parent company, BCE Inc., agreed to sell the satellite operator for $3.25 billion, net of debt, to a new acquisition company formed by Canada's Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) and Loral Space & Communications Inc. As part of the agreement, Loral will transfer the fixed satellite services and network services assets of Loral Skynet to the new acquisition company, which assets will be combined with Telesat's.
About SUPARCO (
www.suparco.gov.pk)
Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is the National space agency responsible for executing projects related to the National Space Programme. Established in 1962, SUPARCO is devoted to research and development in space sciences, space technology and their applications. The agency works to develop and promote indigenous capabilities in space technology to bring about socio-economic benefits for Pakistan.
SUPARCO is actively involved in the development of capability and human resources required for the effective implementation of the National Space Programme. SUPARCO has earlier designed, developed and launched two Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) experimental satellites, BADR-1 and BADR-B. A communication satellite, Paksat-1, was deployed at 38 degrees E orbital slot in December 2002, which has since been offering satellite capacity to various telecom service providers. SUPARCO is also acquiring Remote Sensing Satellite data using its Satellite Ground Station in Islamabad and marketing the same.
http://biz.yahoo.com/cnw/070313/telesat_launch_paksat.html?.v=1