The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Aug. 5, edition that Shares of surged after Ottawa partnered with Telesat and MDA Space to enhance secure military satellite communications in the Arctic. The Globe's Sophia Bertuzzi writes that the Defence Investment Agency awarded a contract worth up to $2.7-billion to Telesat LEO ULC to expand its low Earth orbit constellation, bolstering Arctic sovereignty. The contract -- a 15-year service period beginning in 2028 -- includes two five-year option periods valued at approximately $200-million each. If the options are exercised, it would increase the initial deal value of $2.3-billion to a total of $2.7-billion. Telesat will expand its Lightspeed network by adding 69 satellites built by MDA Space in Montreal, increasing its total funded satellites from 156 to 225. This contract raises MDA Space's contract value with Telesat by $474-million. "This ensures the Canadian Armed Forces will have secure and sovereign connectivity sooner than planned," said Telesat chief executive officer Dan Goldberg. SpaceX will launch the satellites on secured Falcon 9 rockets, plus one more pending a launch services agreement, according to Telesat.