Despite competition, SpaceX will launch nearly 200 Lightspeed internet satellites from Canadian company Telesat into orbit

SpaceX will launch Telesat's internet satellites into orbit. The Canadian firm wants to build a constellation of Lightspeed spacecraft to provide global coverage.

Here's What We Know

Telesat has signed a contract with SpaceX that will see the US aerospace company launch nearly 200 Lightspeed internet satellites into orbit over two years. The first launch is scheduled for 2026.

SpaceX will use Falcon 9 rockets launching from spaceports in California and Cape Canaveral in Florida. Elon Musk's company will send up to 18 spacecraft into orbit on each mission. In 2027, Telesat will form a constellation of 198 internet satellites, which is 42 more than the minimum number needed to provide global coverage.

The Lightspeed spacecraft will be positioned 1,000 ka above the Earth's surface. The mass of each internet satellite is approximately 750kg.

Source: Telesat