# LEO 3

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q125770444](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125770444)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/leo-3

## Summary
LEO 3 is a Canadian communications satellite launched on July 18, 2023, by Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket. It serves as a technology demonstration spacecraft for Telesat, weighing 30 kilograms and powered by a spacecraft solar array. The satellite was manufactured by the UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory and is part of Telesat’s LEO Vantage program.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and communications satellite
- **Mass**: 30 kilograms
- **Operator**: Telesat
- **Country of origin**: Canada
- **Launch date**: July 18, 2023, at 01:27 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: Electron (Rocket Lab)
- **Launch site**: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B
- **Manufacturer**: UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array
- **COSPAR ID**: 2023-100G
- **Aliases**: Telesat LEO 3, LEO Vantage 3

## FAQs
### Q: What is LEO 3’s primary purpose?
A: LEO 3 is a technology demonstration spacecraft designed to test experimental technologies for Telesat’s LEO Vantage program, which aims to provide high-speed broadband services.

### Q: Who operates LEO 3?
A: LEO 3 is operated by Telesat, a Canadian satellite communications company.

### Q: How was LEO 3 launched?
A: LEO 3 was launched on July 18, 2023, aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1B in New Zealand.

### Q: What is the significance of LEO 3’s mass?
A: LEO 3 weighs only 30 kilograms, making it a lightweight satellite designed for cost-effective technology testing in low Earth orbit.

### Q: What is the LEO Vantage program?
A: The LEO Vantage program is Telesat’s initiative to deploy a constellation of small satellites to provide global broadband internet services, with LEO 3 serving as a demonstration satellite.

## Why It Matters
LEO 3 is significant as a pioneering satellite in Telesat’s LEO Vantage program, which aims to revolutionize global broadband connectivity by leveraging small, low-cost satellites. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, LEO 3 tests experimental technologies that could enhance the efficiency and performance of future satellite communications. Its successful deployment marks a step forward in the development of affordable, scalable satellite networks, potentially democratizing access to high-speed internet for remote and underserved regions. The satellite’s lightweight design and use of a spacecraft solar array highlight advancements in satellite miniaturization and power efficiency, contributing to the broader field of space technology and commercial space exploration.

## Notable For
- **First in its class**: LEO 3 is one of the first satellites in Telesat’s LEO Vantage program, demonstrating the feasibility of small, low-cost satellites for broadband communications.
- **Lightweight design**: Weighing only 30 kilograms, LEO 3 showcases advancements in satellite miniaturization, making it a cost-effective option for technology testing.
- **Technology demonstration**: As a technology demonstration spacecraft, LEO 3 tests experimental technologies that could improve the performance and efficiency of future satellite communications.
- **Commercial space innovation**: LEO 3 represents a step forward in commercial space exploration, particularly in the development of affordable satellite networks for global connectivity.
- **Rocket Lab’s Electron launch**: The satellite’s launch on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket highlights the growing role of small launch vehicles in deploying small satellites.

## Body
### Overview
LEO 3 is a Canadian satellite developed as part of Telesat’s LEO Vantage program. It was launched on July 18, 2023, aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1B in New Zealand. The satellite serves as a technology demonstration spacecraft, testing experimental technologies for future broadband communications.

### Specifications
- **Mass**: 30 kilograms
- **Power source**: Spacecraft solar array
- **Operator**: Telesat
- **Manufacturer**: UTIAS Space Flight Laboratory
- **Launch vehicle**: Electron (Rocket Lab)
- **Launch date**: July 18, 2023, at 01:27 UTC

### Mission and Technology
LEO 3 is part of Telesat’s LEO Vantage program, which aims to deploy a constellation of small satellites to provide global broadband internet services. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, LEO 3 tests experimental technologies that could enhance the efficiency and performance of future satellite communications. Its lightweight design and use of a spacecraft solar array highlight advancements in satellite miniaturization and power efficiency.

### Significance
LEO 3’s successful deployment marks a significant milestone in the development of affordable, scalable satellite networks. The satellite’s achievements contribute to the broader field of space technology and commercial space exploration, demonstrating the potential of small satellites to revolutionize global connectivity.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/leo-vantage-3.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.satellitetoday.com/manufacturing/2023/05/30/telesat-orders-lightspeed-phase-1-leo-demo-satellite-replacement-from-torontos-sfl/)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7205)