Canadian Anik G1 satellite placed on target orbit

The Canadian Anik G1 satellite, which was launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome on Monday, at 07:49 MSK was successfully placed into target orbit. The launch of the Proton-M rocket with the Anik G1 satellite was carried out at 22:36 MSK on Monday from launch pad No 200 of the southern spaceport. Nine minutes after liftoff at 22:46 MSK the Briz-M upper stage separated from the carrier rocket. It continued the placement of the Canadian satellite into its target orbit, in accordance with the flight sequence. The Anik G1 spacecraft is owned by the global satellite communications operator Telesat Canada. The satellite was created by Space Systems Loral, the estimated lifetime in orbit is 15 years. Anik G1 is a multi-band satellite that will be located at 107.3 degrees West Longitude when it goes into service. The satellite will provide 16 high-power Ku-band transponders in the extended FSS band to support Shaw Direct’s growing DTH video programming for the Canadian market. It also has 12 Ku-band and 24 C-band transponders that will both replace and expand on Telesat’s Anik F1 satellite now serving South America. In addition, Anik G1 will have three X-band channels for government services over the Americas and part of the Pacific Ocean, and one channel in the reverse Direct Broadcast Service band, according to Space Systems Loral. The Anik G1 satellite is to provide various communication services in three geographic zones. In particular, the satellite has 24 active transponders and 12 Ku-band transponders and is designed to replace the Anik F1 spacecraft, which currently provides telecommunications services in South America. Sixteen transponders of the expanded Ku-band were specifically allocated for the satellite television operator DTH Shaw Direct in Canada. In addition, three X-band transponders will provide the state special communications services in the United States and part of the Pacific, and can also be used by civilians.