Vancouver, B.C. Oct. 7, 2004 -- The world's largest commercial communications satellite, Telesat's Anik F2, became fully operational this week following final in-orbit testing. Dr. Marc Garneau, President of the Canadian Space Agency, joined Paul Bush, Telesat Vice President, and other space industry leaders in making the announcement during the International Astronautical Congress, the world's premier space event, now being held in Vancouver. Telesat's Anik F2 will deliver leading-edge multimedia services to clients across North America through its C- and Ku-band transponders. Piloting a demonstration module funded by a unique private-public partnership, Anik F2 is making history as the first satellite to fully commercialize the Ka frequency band. Technologies designed for this new frequency have the potential to connect the last kilometre, delivering cost-effective, two-way broadband, Internet, telehealth, telelearning and Government Online services to commercial clients and Canadians wherever they live. "Anik F2 delivers groundbreaking and innovative technology that is reinforcing the Government of Canada's commitment to connecting Canadians living and working in remote, rural and urban communities throughout our country," Dr. Garneau said. "It also demonstrates the Canadian space industry's unbeatable capabilities in working together to design, launch and deliver state-of-the-art, high-speed, multimedia communications services to meet the evolving needs of Canadians. "For 35 years, Telesat has been committed to bring Canadians state-of-the-art communications services, and Anik F2 is the latest example of this vision," Mr. Bush said. "Telesat's Anik F2 enables cost-effective, two-way, high-speed Internet access—anywhere and anytime. For Canadians, this opens the door to vast improvements in the delivery of both business communications and public services." The Ka-band demonstration module is the product of a public–private partnership formed between the Canadian Space Agency, Communications Research Canada, Telesat, EMS Technologies, and COM DEV. The delivery of interactive high-speed broadband services to citizens living in all regions of Canada is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada's National Satellite Initiative. The National Satellite Initiative enhances services and addresses the high cost of broadband access for communities in the far and mid north, and in remote areas of Canada. Broadband access using Anik F2's Ka-band technology will deliver first-rate interactive services and will provide Canada's remote communities with a window on the world. Most of CSA's total investment of $80 million in Anik F2 went towards the development and production of advanced satellite communications technology by COM DEV and EMS. As a result, Telesat will provide the Government of Canada $50-million worth of multimedia satellite services dedicated to the National Satellite Initiative. "COM DEV's contribution to Anik F2, known as BEAM*LINK, was a vote of confidence in our ability to develop innovative and cost effective space payloads," said John Keating, CEO of COM DEV. "EMS Technologies is especially pleased to help make Anik F2 a success through the development of our experimental first-of-its-kind onboard processor, known as SpaceMux, as well as through the provision of the main transmit Ka-band spot beam antennas," said Alan L. Haase, Senior Vice-president and General Manager of EMS Space and Technology for Montreal. Manufactured by Boeing Satellite Systems, Anik F2 was launched July 17 on an Ariane 5G rocket from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Arianespace provided mission management. Anik F2 was Telesat's fifteenth successful satellite launch. For more information on Anik F2, visit Telesat's Web site at www.telesat.ca - 30 - About the Canadian Space Agency Established in 1989 and with its headquarters situated in Longueuil, Quebec, the Canadian Space Agency is responsible for coordinating all civil, space-related policies and programs related to science and technology research, industrial development, and international cooperation on behalf of the Government of Canada. The Canadian Space Agency directs its resources and activities through four key thrusts: Earth Observation, Space Science and Exploration, Satellite Communications, and Space Awareness and Learning. With the overall responsibility for advancing Canada's space policy and programs, the Canadian Space Agency leverages international cooperation to champion world-class scientific research and industrial development for the benefit of humanity. About Telesat Telesat is a pioneer and 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, and is a leading consultant, operator and partner in satellite ventures around the globe. Telesat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., a leading communications company with shares listed in the United States, Canada and Europe. About EMS Technologies EMS Technologies, Inc. is a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of space, airborne, and terrestrial wireless solutions, and focuses its unique range of advanced technologies on the needs of broadband and mobile information users. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs approximately 1,700 people worldwide, and has manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Ottawa, Montréal, and Brazil. About COM DEV COM DEV, based in Cambridge, Ontario is the largest Canadian-based designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems. With facilities in Canada and the United Kingdom, COM DEV manufactures products that are sold to major satellite prime contractors for use in communications, space science, remote sensing, and military satellites. For more information, please contact: Carole Duval Communications Advisor Media Relations and Information Services Canadian Space Agency Tel.: (450) 926-4370 Cel.: (514) 241-2781 E-mail: var _u = "carole.duval"; var _d = "space.gc.ca"; var _l = _u + "@" + _d; var _m = "carole.duval@space.gc.ca"; document.write(""+_m+"");
