International Launch Services (ILS) have kicked off 2007 with the launch of the Russian Proton-M launch vehicle, with Breeze M upper stage, carrying the Canadian communication satellite Anik F3 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. Lift-off was at 23:54 UK time.
NASASpaceflight.com is covering the launch as a live event, with background, interactive live updates, images and launch video – NOW AVAILABLE, all available on the link below (read more).
**LIVE EVENT PAGES FOR PROTON-M/ANIK F3**
**FREE PROTON-M/ANIK F3 Launch video** – Free to all forum members (registration is free – we do not use your e-mail for spam, only to send you your forum password – which is automated). Full launch video available on L2.
Preview:
‘Winds are forecasted to be mild and the temperature at liftoff should be just below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), which is good for the batteries.’
The satellite, operating in geostationary orbit, will provide commercial services for a minimum of 15 years. Anik F3 will operate at the 118 degrees WL orbital position.
Anik F3 is the second Eurostar E3000 satellite built by EADS Astrium for Telesat following their order for Anik F1R in 2003. Telesat is a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE Inc., a leading communications company with shares listed in the United States, Canada and Europe.