In January 2006, Astrium was selected by Canadian operator Telesat to build the company’s new Nimiq 4 satellite. This is the third consecutive order for a Eurostar E3000 satellite from the Canadian-based operator following Anik F1R and Anik F3. Planned to enter service in 2008, Nimiq 4 will broadcast direct-to-home TV from its orbital location of 82° West.
Nimiq 4 will feature 32 active high-power transponders in Ku-band and eight in Ka-band. The multi-spot Ka-band payload will provide coverage of the most densely populated regions of Canada. Nimiq 4 will have a launch mass of 4,800 kg and spacecraft power of 12 kW at end of its 15-year lifetime.
Astrium, as prime contractor, designed and built the spacecraft and supplied both the payloads and the platform. Canadian companies supplied a significant part of the spacecraft equipment and technology.
