Telesat saw its Nimiq 5 satellite launched today from pad 39 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard a Russian Proton Breeze M rocket. Nimiq 5 is a commercial communications satellite built by Space Systems/Loral for Telesat. Nimiq 5 will utilize 32 high-powered Ku-band transponders to deliver high definition and direct-to-home television services for EchoStar and the Dish Network in the United States.


The Proton Breeze M launched at 12:19 PDT; 15:19 EDT and after a 9 hour 15 minute mission, the Breeze M successfully released the Nimiq 5 satellite, weighing almost 5 tons, into geostationary transfer orbit. This was the 348th launch for the Proton.
Telesat’s 19th satellite will occupy an orbital position at 72.7 degrees west longitude and is expected to have a lifespan of more than 15 years.
Bell TV was to have had 50% of the capacity of Nimiq 5 but Telesat announced today EchoStar would be making full use of the satellite.

Marc Boucher is an entrepreneur, writer, editor, podcaster and publisher. He is the founder of SpaceQ Media. Marc has 30+ years working in various roles in media, space sector not-for-profits, and internet content development.

Marc started his first Internet creator content business in 1992 and hasn't looked back. When not working Marc loves to explore Canada, the world and document nature through his photography.

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