The first launch is planned for 2026
Satellite operator Telesat and SpaceX announced the signing of a multi-launch agreement to deliver the Telesat Lightspeed constellation of satellites into low Earth orbit.
Telesat has contracted for 14 launches of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, the world’s most reliable and only reusable orbital rocket, which will carry up to 18 Telesat Lightspeed satellites into low-Earth orbit per launch.
The launch campaign is scheduled to begin in 2026. Telesat has decided to take advantage of SpaceX’s high launch frequency to rapidly deploy its own satellites, allowing Telesat to begin providing global services in 2027. Launches under the campaign will take off from SpaceX launch complexes in California and Florida.
SpaceX will launch 14 rockets to deliver all the satellites of its competitor
Telesat promises a reliable network for enterprise and government users with multi-Gbps speeds and highly secure, resilient, low-latency broadband connections anywhere in the world.
“SpaceX has been a reliable and efficient launch provider for Telesat across our geostationary satellite programs, and I am pleased that they will support us with their highly reliable Falcon 9 rocket to deploy the Telesat Lightspeed constellation, the most ambitious program in Telesat’s 54-year history,” said Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat. “Given the dedication and professionalism of the SpaceX team, as well as their outstanding track record of reliability and demonstrated high launch frequency, I have every confidence that they will be an outstanding partner in helping us bring Telesat Lightspeed into service on time and with minimal risk.”
