Press Releases
Telesat selects European manufacturer for new Anik F satellite
Astrium-built satellite to provide continuity of service to customers following 2005 launch.
OTTAWA, ON, February 4, 2003 - Just weeks after the successful launch of its latest Direct Broadcast satellite, Nimiq 2, Telesat announced today that it has signed a contract with Astrium, Europe’s largest space company, for a new satellite targeted for launch in 2005 to replace Anik F1 and ensure continuity of service for its customers. The satellite, Anik F1R, will carry telecommunications, broadcasting and Internet services.
“When Telesat selects a satellite manufacturer, our number one priority is always providing high-quality, reliable service to our customers - as we’ve been doing for more than thirty years,” said Larry Boisvert, Telesat’s president and CEO. “Astrium offered Telesat the right blend of experience, innovation and ease of doing business, and we look forward to working with their team.”
Astrium will design and build the satellite and supply both the payload and the platform. The Canadian industry will supply a significant part of the spacecraft equipment and technology. The satellite will provide for a full range of fixed satellite communications services that include telephony, business communications, Internet-based services and television transmission and will be equipped with 24 transponders in C-band and 32 transponders in Ku-band.
The spacecraft, which is based on the E3000 version of the highly reliable Eurostar family, has a launch mass of 4 tonnes, a solar array span of 35 metres once deployed in orbit, and a spacecraft power of 10 kW at end of life. The satellite, operating in geostationary orbit, will provide commercial services for a minimum of 15 years.
About Telesat
Telesat is a world leader in satellite operations and systems management. The company made history in 1972 with the launch of the first domestic commercial communications satellite in geostationary orbit. Today, Telesat competes with other top international satellite fleets in providing telecommunications and broadcasting services throughout the Americas. Telesat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., one of the world’s premier communications companies.
For more information:
Marilynn Wright
Telesat Canada
(613) 748-8855
Dan Tisch (media only)
Argyle Rowland Communications
(416) 968-7311 ext. 223
dtisch@argylerowland.com
