Arianespace Launches Largest Satellite to Date for Telesat Canada

Arianespace successfully launched the largest communications satellite to date for Telesat Canada. The Anik F2 satellite weighed over 5,950 kg (13,118 lbs) at launch, a record for a communications satellite. It is equipped with 38 Ka-band transponders, 32 Ku-band transponders and 24 C-band transponders and designed for a 15-year life.



Positioned at 111.1 degrees West, Anik F2 will provide two-way high-speed Internet access to businesses and consumers within a footprint covering all of North America. It will also open the door to new government broadband services for such applications as tele-learning, tele-health and e-services. The launch was carried out by an Ariane 5 Generic launcher from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.



Telesat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE. Anik F2 is the fifth Canadian satellite to be lofted by the European launcher, following Anik E2 in April 1991, Anik E1 in September 1991, MSAT 1 in April 1996 and Anik F1 in November 2000. http://www.arianespace.com/