Satellite technology has come a long way since the first man-made satellite was launched in 1957. Today, space-based communication has become an integral part of modern-day society, facilitating global communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and much more. In this blog post, we will be comparing two of the biggest satellite fleet operators: SES and Telesat.
SES
SES is a global satellite operator based in Luxembourg. It was founded in 1985 and is currently the world's second-largest satellite fleet operator. SES operates a fleet of over 50 geostationary satellites that cover over 99% of the world's population. It provides services such as direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting, maritime communication, and in-flight connectivity. SES also leases capacity to other operators and broadcasters.
Telesat
Telesat is a Canadian satellite operator that was founded in 1969. It is the world's fourth-largest satellite fleet operator and operates a fleet of 18 satellites. Telesat provides services such as broadband internet, broadcast distribution, and backhaul services for cellular networks.
Comparison
| Criteria | SES | Telesat |
|---|---|---|
| Number of satellites | 50+ | 18 |
| Fleet coverage | 99% of the world's population | Canada, the United States, Latin America, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East |
| Fleet age | Average age of 9 years | Average age of 12 years |
| Revenue | €2.01 billion (2020) | CAD 876.4 million (2020) |
| Services provided | DTH broadcasting, maritime communication, in-flight connectivity, leasing capacity | Broadband internet, broadcast distribution, backhaul services |
From the comparison table, it can be observed that SES has a significantly larger fleet than Telesat, providing global coverage. The SES fleet is also relatively younger than Telesat's, with an average age of 9 years compared to Telesat's 12 years. It is worth mentioning that SES's revenue is also significantly higher than Telesat's based on the 2020 financial reports for both companies.
Conclusion
Both SES and Telesat are major players in the satellite technology industry, providing essential services to different parts of the world. While Telesat has a smaller fleet, it has a high concentration of coverage in its specific areas of operation. On the other hand, SES provides global coverage through its extensive fleet, which is relatively younger than Telesat's.