Posted: Thu, Dec 31, 2009, 8:53 AM ET (1353 GMT)
Space Systems/Loral announced Wednesday a pair of orders for commercial communications satellites from North American customers. Canada's Telesat ordered the Nimiq 6 satellite from SS/L, based on its 1300-series bus. The satellite, with a payload of 32 Ku-band transponders, will be placed at 91 degrees west longitude to provide direct-to-home television programming for Bell TV; no launch date for the satellite was given. Loral also announced Wednesday that EchoStar ordered the EchoStar 16 satellite, scheduled for launch in 2012. The satellite will also be used for direct broadcasting services, but few other details about the satellite were announced.

Related Links:

•  Canadian Press article
•  Loral press release about Nimiq 6
•  Loral press release about EchoStar 16