Press Releases
Telesat chooses Proton launch vehicle for new Anik F satellite
OTTAWA, ON, March 19, 2003 -Telesat announced today that it has formalized plans for the launch of its new Anik F1R satellite, with the signing of a contract with one of the world’s leading suppliers of space launch services. The satellite, which will ensure continuity of service to Telesat’s North American customers, will be launched on a Russian Proton M/Breeze M rocket in 2005.
“Telesat is pleased to be launching Anik F1R through International Launch Services (ILS) - our partner in the successful launch of both our direct broadcast satellites, Nimiq 1 and Nimiq 2,” said Larry Boisvert, Telesat's president and CEO. “ILS offered Telesat the right blend of experience, innovation and ease of doing business, and we look forward to working with their team once again.”
Anik F1R, a Eurostar 3000, is being built by Astrium, Europe's largest space company. The new satellite, which will replace Anik F1, will enable Telesat to continue to provide highly reliable telecommunications, broadcasting and Internet services to customers across the continent.
“We thank Telesat for its continued confidence in ILS and the Proton,” said ILS president Mark Albrecht. “We're determined to make this a triple-header - Telesat's third mission with ILS, its third on a Proton, and its third success.”
About Telesat
Telesat is a pioneer 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 and consulting services worldwide. Telesat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., Canada's largest communications company.
About ILS
ILS was formed in 1995 to market launch services to customers worldwide for LKEI, Inc. (Lockheed-Khrunichev-Energia International, Inc.), provider of the Proton rocket, and LMCLS, (Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services), provider of the Atlas rocket. ILS offers the broadest range of launch services in the world along with the highest reliability in the industry. For more information, visit www.ilslaunch.com.
For more information:
Marilynn Wright
Telesat Canada
(613) 748-8855
Dan Tisch or Rajani Kamath (media only)
Argyle Rowland Communications
(416) 968-7311, ext. 223 or 241
dtisch@argylerowland.com
rkamath@argylerowland.com
