Press Releases
Telesat clears Nimiq 2 satellite for long-term service
Direct-to-home service to Canadians continues uninterrupted despite February 20th anomaly
OTTAWA, ON, April 11, 2003 - After a manufacturer’s investigation into a February 20th anomaly on its Nimiq 2 satellite, Telesat has cleared the satellite to provide direct-to-home television services to Canadians for its full projected life span. Customer service also continues uninterrupted on Nimiq 1, Telesat’s other direct-to-home satellite.
“Telesat has a 30-year track record of reliability, and our work on Nimiq 2 shows that our reputation is well-earned,” said Larry Boisvert, Telesat's president and CEO. "Anomalies affect all satellite operators, and the question is how you deal with them. Our team addressed this situation quickly, effectively and responsibly. As a result, it's television as usual for Canadians."
When the anomaly occurred on February 20th, Telesat restored the affected traffic immediately with almost no disruption of service to Canadian viewers. Lockheed Martin, the satellite's manufacturer, has since concluded that the most likely root cause of the anomaly was an electrical short circuit caused by foreign object debris located in a single power carrying connector.
As a result of this random incident, which has been validated by test, the south solar array cannot be recovered. Telesat is currently operating 26 transponders on the satellite and expects only typical array degradation over time. Nimiq 2 is insured and Telesat will file a claim for the loss of the array.
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.
For more information:
Marilynn Wright
Telesat
(613) 748-0123
Dan Tisch (media only)
Argyle Rowland Communications
(416) 968-7311 ext. 223
