Telesat and CSMC to Link Satellite Connectivity with Micro Nuclear Reactors in Canada's Arctic
May 26th, 2026
The two Canadian companies have signed an MOU to deploy Telesat Lightspeed communications in support of remote monitoring and operation of next-generation micro nuclear reactor systems.
Two of Canada's leading technology companies, satellite operator Telesat and defence-focused energy firm Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (CSMC), announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday at CANSEC, Canada's premier defence and security exhibition in Ottawa, to jointly advance sovereign energy and communications capabilities for remote and Arctic environments.
Under the agreement, CSMC's micro nuclear reactor technologies would be paired with Telesat's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, Telesat Lightspeed, to enable secure remote monitoring, operation, and sustainment of the reactors. The collaboration targets both defence and civilian applications in high-latitude and off-grid locations where reliable power and connectivity are strategically critical.
"By pairing CSMC's rapidly advancing micro nuclear reactor technology with Telesat's proven leadership in space communications, we are laying the foundation for Canadian-built solutions that enhance energy security, operational resilience, and long-term capability in the North." — Daniel Sax, CEO, Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation
The MOU establishes a framework for technical discussions, potential pilot activities, and coordinated engagement with government and industry stakeholders. Any future commercial or operational arrangements would be subject to definitive agreements, the companies said.
Telesat CEO Dan Goldberg called CSMC's reactor work highly relevant to the connectivity challenges his company already addresses in Canada's North. "Telesat has a long history of delivering mission-critical communications for governments, enterprises, and communities, including in Canada's North," Goldberg said. "We look forward to supporting their deployment and operations with secure, resilient connectivity in remote and Arctic environments."
The announcement reflects a broader push by Canadian industry to develop domestically controlled solutions for Arctic sovereignty by combining reliable power generation, secure communications, and trusted homegrown technology. CSMC is developing reactors designed for safe, scalable energy delivery to remote communities and critical infrastructure, while Telesat's Lightspeed constellation is designed to deliver low-latency, high-resilience connectivity globally.