Telesat Lightspeed

Telesat originally proposed a constellation of approximately 298 satellites, but the current Lightspeed design comprises 198 Ka-band satellites equipped with optical inter-satellite links. Initial deployment is expected to begin in late 2026, with commercial service commencing during 2027 as the constellation is progressively deployed. The satellites will operate in low-Earth orbit at altitudes of approximately 1,015–1,325 km.