Telesat's Nimiq 5 in Final Preparations for Launch Scheduled September 18

New High Powered Satellite to Support Growing Demand for Direct-to-Home TV Services in North America


OTTAWA, Aug. 17, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Telesat, the world's fourth largest fixed satellite services operator, announced today that its new Nimiq 5 satellite is scheduled to launch on an ILS Proton vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on September 18, 2009 (September 17th in Ottawa).

Nimiq 5 will utilize 32 high powered Ku-band transponders and the latest in satellite technology to deliver a wide range of high-definition and direct-to-home television services across a broad footprint covering Canada and the United States. Based on Space Systems/ Loral's proven 1300 platform, Nimiq 5 has a planned 15-year mission life and will operate in geostationary orbit from 72.7 degrees West.

The capacity on Nimiq 5 is fully pre-sold and the satellite is expected to commence service prior to the end of the fourth quarter of this year.

About Telesat (www.telesat.com)

Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, Telesat is the fourth-largest fixed satellite services operator. The company provides reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Telesat has a global state-of-the-art fleet of 11 in-orbit satellites, has one satellite scheduled for launch with another under construction, and manages the operations of 13 additional satellites for third parties. Telesat is privately held. Its principal shareholders are Canada's Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements Safe Harbour

This news release contains statements that are not based on historical fact and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words "scheduled for", "planned", "will", or "expected" or other variations of these words or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Detailed information about some of the known risks and uncertainties is included in the "Risk Factors" section of Telesat's final prospectus filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 29, 2009. Readers are specifically referred to that document, as well as Telesat's other filings with the SEC which can be obtained on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Known risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance and risks associated with domestic and foreign government regulation. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. The information contained in this news release reflects Telesat's beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Telesat disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.



            

Contact Data