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/
