Solutions

Consulting & Operator Services

Launch Vehicle Consulting Services

Proper management of the actual launch of a satellite may be the most singularly critical element of a satellite program. In order to minimize the risk of a launch vehicle failure, satellite operators often employ the services of an expert fully experienced in the field of launch vehicles and the interfaces required between the launch vehicle and the satellite. The consultant must have expertise in both launch vehicles and satellite disciplines thereby relieving the customer of having to employ and train staff in these fields. Telesat is one of the few companies in the world that has this valuable expertise.

Telesat, as an experienced consultant, has worked on many different programs involving commercial launch vehicles. As a result, Telesat has the breadth and depth of technical disciplines, enabling it to provide a superior problem solving capability and reduce the overall program risk by ensuring experiences gained from other programs are applied to the program at hand.

Telesat's Experience With Launch Vehicles:

Titan
  • Atlas
  • Arianespace
  • Delta
  • Long March
  • Space Shuttle
  • Pegasus
  • Proton
  • Sea Launch

The interfaces between the satellite and launch vehicle must be correctly designed, accurately defined and then verified. Errors or omissions in the interfaces or in mission-peculiar launch vehicle requirements can be catastrophic. Examples of incorrect interfaces causing failed missions are well known in the industry.

Telesat can coordinate any or all parts of the launch services procurement. The services offered are similar to the spacecraft procurement and include:

Request for Proposal (RFP)
Bid Evaluations Support
Contract Negotiations Support
Quality Assurance Monitoring

It is extremely important that the satellite design and program objectives are fully considered in any RFP issued for launch services. Telesat is often retained to monitor the provision of the launch services immediately after the satellite has been ordered. Without customer/consultant involvement, technical decisions tend to be made to suit the launch services provider or satellite manufacturer without considering the best interests of the customer.

Telesat set the pace in the launch vehicle field by being the first to fly on a commercial Shuttle launch vehicle (Anik C3 on STS-5), the first to manage a commercial Delta launch, the first to manage a commercial Long March launch, and the first private company to conduct an overall quality review program with Arianespace.

Telesat has an enviable record of thirteen (13) successful launches of its own Anik launch campaigns, including five (5) using the Delta 2 launcher, four (4) using the Space Shuttle, three (3) using Ariane and one (1) using Proton. In addition, the Company has successfully supported numerous launches of other satellite operators. Much of Telesat's success is due to a quality driven team approach backed by in-depth knowledge in all aspects of satellite acquisition and operation and a demand for visibility into processes and potential problems.

Other space-related expertise available from Telesat includes:

Additional advisory services are also available: in fact, any skill set that Telesat requires to operate its day-to-day satellite business can be made available upon request.

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