The largest commercial communications satellite, designed to offer two-way broadband Internet services across Canada and the United States, was successfully heaved into space Saturday night by Europe's powerful Ariane 5 rocket.
SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2004
The largest commercial communications satellite, designed to offer two-way broadband Internet services across Canada and the United States, was successfully heaved into space Saturday night by Europe's powerful Ariane 5 rocket.
Arianespace had scrubbed three earlier countdowns this week due to rocket, ground equipment and weather problems. But the fourth attempt proceeded on the timeline, and the 19th Ariane 5 blasted off from its jungle launch pad in South America at 0044 GMT (8:44 p.m. EDT).
Twenty-eight minutes later, the Anik F2 spacecraft was deployed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit with an apogee of 38,848 km, a perigee of 579.4 km and inclination of 6.80 degrees, according to Arianespace.
"We had a few trial tuns to get here, but all that matters is that we made it," Roger Tinley, the vice president for space systems at Anik operator Telesat, said in post-launch remarks. "We are on our way with Anik F2. We will be in operation in early October. And thanks to Ariane 5."
The Ottawa-based satellite operator Telesat with use Anik F2's enhanced technologies to provide broadband services via the Ka-band across North America, plus other broadcasting communications using Ku- and C-bands.
"With Anik F2 we enter a new frontier in satellite communications - not just for Telesat, but also for the global communications industry," said Larry Boisvert, Telesat's president and CEO. "Once again, Telesat is making advanced communications more accessible for everyone. With Telesat's Anik F2, North American consumers and businesses will have access to the most advanced broadband services - anywhere and anytime."
Built by Boeing Satellite Systems, the 13,118-pound Anik F2 satellite will be operated from geostationary orbit at 111.1 degrees West longitude.
The spacecraft, based upon Boeing's 702-satellite model design, carries 38 Ka-band transponders, 32 Ku-band transponders and 24 C-band transponders. Its power-generating solar wings stretch 48 meters once fully unfurled in orbit. Designers expect the satellite to operate 15 years.
In addition to its commercial potential, the Canadian government plans to use Anik F2 to improve services to remote communities through tele-health, tele-learning and other applications.
The satellite mission, including launch and insurance, is reportedly valued at $600 million.
This was the Telesat's 15th successful satellite launch and fifth use of an Ariane rocket.
Saturday marked the second Ariane 5 rocket launch in 2004 and the 19th overall since the inaugural liftoff in 1996. It was known as Arianespace Flight 163.
Next up is the return-to-flight of the upgraded version of Ariane 5 with a cryogenic upper stage. Scheduled for October, the mission will launch the X-band communications satellite called XTAR-EUR and a spacecraft mass simulator. The first Ariane 5 ECA rocket malfunctioned minutes after liftoff in December 2002.
0118 GMT (9:18 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Arianespace has declared tonight's launch a success, delivering the Anik F2 satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit.
0112 GMT (9:12 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+28 minutes, 41 seconds. SPACECRAFT SEPARATION! The Canadian Anik F2 communications satellite has been released into space from the Ariane 5 rocket, completing tonight's launch! Applause has erupted in the Guiana Space Center control room.
0112 GMT (9:12 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+28 minutes. Altitude 1,777 km, velocity is 8.52 km/sec.
0111 GMT (9:11 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+27 minutes, 15 seconds. The upper stage has shut down to complete powered flight for the launch. The stage will provide proper pointing for deployment of the Anik F2 satellite tonight.
0110 GMT (9:10 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+26 minutes. Altitude is 1,416 km, velocity is 8.61 km/sec.
0109 GMT (9:09 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+25 minutes. The upper stage is nearing the completion of its firing in about two minutes. Altitude is 1,258 km, velocity is 8.5 km/sec.
0108 GMT (9:08 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+24 minutes. Altitude is 1,114 km, velocity is 8.49 km/sec.
0107 GMT (9:07 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+23 minutes, 25 seconds. Altitude is 1,035 km, velocity is 8.48 km/sec.
0106 GMT (9:06 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+22 minutes, 45 seconds. Altitude is 951 km, velocity is 8.42 km/sec.
0106 GMT (9:06 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+22 minutes, 5 seconds. The Malindi, Kenya island tracking station in Africa has picked up the rocket's signal. Altitude is 872 km, velocity is 8.39 km/sec.
0105 GMT (9:05 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+21 minutes, 45 seconds. Altitude is 834 km, velocity is 8.37 km/sec.
0104 GMT (9:04 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+20 minutes, 30 seconds. Altitude is 705 km, velocity is 8.31 km/sec.
0103 GMT (9:03 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+19 minutes, 30 seconds. Arianespace says all systems are performing normally. Altitude is 614 km, velocity is 8.2 km/sec.
0102 GMT (9:02 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+18 minutes. Arianespace says all systems are performing normally. Altitude is 498 km, velocity is 8.18 km/sec.
0101 GMT (9:01 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+17 minutes. Altitude is 430 km, velocity is 8.12 km/sec.
0100 GMT (9:00 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+16 minutes. Altitude is 370 km, velocity is 8.05 km/sec.
0059 GMT (8:59 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+15 minutes. Altitude is 320 km, velocity is 8.00 km/sec.
0058 GMT (8:58 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+14 minutes. The Ariane 5's upper stage is still firing as scheduled. Altitude 275 km, velocity is 7.9 km/sec.
0057 GMT (8:57 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+13 minutes. Altitude is 236 km, velocity is 7.87 km/sec.
0056 GMT (8:56 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+12 minutes, 30 seconds. Altitude is 218 km, velocity is 7.8 km/sec.
0054 GMT (8:54 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+10 minutes, 30 seconds. The upper stage of Ariane 5G+ -- the storable propellant stage -- has ignited for its long-duration burn.
0054 GMT (8:54 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+10 minutes, 10 seconds. The main cryogenic stage's Vulcain engine has cut off and the spent stage has separated. It will fall back into the atmosphere prior to completing an orbit of Earth.
0053 GMT (8:53 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+9 minutes, 50 seconds. The rocket is beginning to gain altitude again.
0053 GMT (8:53 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+9 minutes, 30 seconds. The rocket is no longer climbing in altitude in order to gain speed. This is a "sling-shot" maneuver. Altitude is 135 km, velocity is 7.0 km/sec.
0053 GMT (8:53 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+9 minutes. Coming up on main stage shutdown in about one minute.
0052 GMT (8:52 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+8 minutes. Arianespace is not reporting any problems so far in the flight. The main stage engine continues to fire. Altitude is 135 km, velocity is 5.2 km/sec.
0051 GMT (8:51 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+7 minutes. Altitude is 143 km, velocity is 4.3 km/sec.
0050 GMT (8:50 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+6 minutes, 30 seconds. The rocket is no longer climbing in altitude in order to gain speed. This is a "sling-shot" maneuver. Altitude is 146 km, velocity is 3.9 km/sec.
0049 GMT (8:49 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+5 minutes, 45 seconds. Altitude is 147 km, velocity is 3.4 km/sec.
0049 GMT (8:49 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+5 minutes. Altitude is 142 km, velocity is 3.0 km/sec.
0048 GMT (8:48 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+4 minutes, 20 seconds. Arianespace says the protective payload fairing enclosing the satellite has been separated from the Ariane 5.
0047 GMT (8:47 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+3 minutes, 30 seconds. Altitude is 112 km, velocity is 2.38 km/sec.
0046 GMT (8:46 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+2 minutes, 30 seconds. The solid rocket boosters have been jettisoned from the Ariane 5 rocket's core stage. The liquid-fueled Vulcain 1 main engine continues to fire to propel the vehicle and its satellite payload to space.
0046 GMT (8:46 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+2 minutes, 10 seconds. Altitude 56 km, velocity 2.06 km/sec.
0045 GMT (8:45 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+1 minute, 30 seconds. About one minute left in the burn by the solid rocket boosters. The boosters are providing 90 percent of the liftoff thrust.
0044 GMT (8:44 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+50 seconds. The vehicle is on the proper trajectory as it rides the power of the twin solid rocket boosters and main stage liquid-fueled engine.
0044 GMT (8:44 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Plus+30 seconds. Rocket has completed its pitch and roll maneuvers as it heads east from the South American coast for the 28-minute flight to deliver Anik F2 into geosynchronous transfer orbit.
0044 GMT (8:44 p.m. EDT Sat.)
LIFTOFF! The Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket launching the Canadian Anik F2 spacecraft to provide broadband Internet services and digital communications across North America.
0043 GMT (8:43 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Minus-40 seconds. The vehicle is switching to internal power.
0043 GMT (8:43 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Minus-1 minute. A fast-paced series of events leading to launch will begin at Minus-37 seconds when the automated ignition sequence is started. The water suppression system at the launch pad will start at Minus-30 seconds. At Minus-22 seconds, overall control will be given to the onboard computer. The Vulcain main engine will be readied for ignition with hydrogen chilldown starting at Minus-18 seconds. The residual hydrogen burn flares will fire beneath the Vulcain engine at Minus-6 seconds to burn away any free hydrogen gas. At Minus-3 seconds, onboard systems take over and the two inertial guidance systems go to flight mode. Vulcain main engine ignition occurs at Minus-0 seconds with checkout between Plus+4 and 7 seconds. If there are no problems found, the solid rocket boosters are ignited at Plus+7.0 seconds for liftoff at Plus+7.3 seconds.
0042 GMT (8:42 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Minus-2 minutes. The Vulcain 1 main engine supply valves are being opened. Also, the ground valves for engine chilldown are being closed.
0041 GMT (8:41 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Minus-3 minutes. The scheduled launch time has been loaded into the rocket's main computer system. The main stage tank pressures should now be at flight level.
0040 GMT (8:40 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Minus-4 minutes. Pressurization is now underway for the main cryogenic stage's liquid oxygen and hydrogen tanks. Also, final pyrotechnic arming is starting.
0038 GMT (8:38 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Minus-6 minutes and counting. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen supplies of the main cryogenic stage are being verified at flight level. Also, the pyrotechnic line safety barriers are being armed.
0037 GMT (8:37 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Minus-7 minutes and counting. The Synchronized Sequence has started. Computers are now in control of this final segment of the launch countdown to prepare the rocket and ground systems for liftoff. There are two computers running the countdown -- one aboard the Ariane 5 and a redundant one at the ELA-3 launch complex.
0035 GMT (8:35 p.m. EDT Sat.)
Minus-9 minutes and counting. The status panel in the Jupiter Control Center at Kourou remains green, indicating all remains in readiness for liftoff at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana on South America's northeastern coast.
SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2004
1720 GMT (1:20 p.m. EDT)
Arianespace will make a fourth attempt to launch its Ariane 5G+ rocket with Anik F2 tonight. Last night's shot was scrubbed due to problems with the ground equipment at the pad.
"We detected an anomaly in the fueling system of the rocket. Pressure and temperature was not at expected levels," Jean-Yves Le Gall, Arianespace's chief executive officer, was quoted by Reuters as saying.
Tonight's launch period extends from 0044 to 0129 GMT (8:44-9:29 p.m. EDT).
Watch this page for confirmation of liftoff and updates during the half-hour flight.
FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2004
2347 GMT (7:47 p.m. EDT)
Troubles with the launching platform upon which the Ariane 5 rocket sits at the pad has caused a 24-hour delay in the countdown.
Arianespace has rescheduled the launch for Saturday night during a window of 0044 to 0129 GMT (8:44-9:29 p.m. EDT).
It is the third delay this week for the Ariane 5 rocket's launch of the Canadian Anik F2 communications satellite. Monday's try was thwarted by technical problems with the rocket. A second attempt on Thursday night was scrubbed due to bad weather.
2340 GMT (7:40 p.m. EDT)
SCRUB! Tonight's launch attempt has been scrubbed. We're awaiting word from Arianespace on the reason for the postponement and the new launch date.
1830 GMT (2:30 p.m. EDT)
Aranespace will try again tonight to launch the Anik F2 communications satellite payload aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. Liftoff is scheduled for 0044 GMT, one minute later than yesterday. The launch window extends to 0129 GMT.
0401 GMT (12:01 a.m. EDT)
Stormy weather over the Guiana Space Center kept the Ariane 5 rocket on the launch pad Thursday night, delaying by 24 hours the massive booster's mission to haul a Canadian broadband communications satellite into space.
"I'm very sorry for this situation," Jean-Yves Le Gall, Arianespace chief executive officer told VIPs gathered in the launch control center as the scrub was called.
"The storm configuration within the 10 kilometer zone of the launch pad didn't move quickly enough away in its final countdown to launch tonight," Le Gall added.
Arianespace has rescheduled the launch for Friday night. The available window for the rocket to lift off from its South American pad extends from 0044 to 0129 GMT (8:44-9:29 p.m. EDT).
It was the second postponement this week for Arianespace Flight 163. A technical problem with the rocket cancelled Monday's countdown.
The Anik F2 satellite, considered the heaviest commercial communication spacecraft to date, will ride the Ariane 5G+ rocket into geosynchronous transfer orbit.
The Ottawa-based satellite operator Telesat with use Anik F2 to provide broadband services via Ka-band across North America, plus other communications using C- and Ku-bands.
"It will enable dramatic improvements in access to two-way, high-speed Internet services for business and consumers. The satellite will also provide new capacity for a wide range of broadcasting and telecommunications services across North America," Telesat says.
0129 GMT (9:29 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
"I'm very sorry for this situation," Arianespace Chief Executive Officer Jean-Yves Le Gall says following the postponement due to unfavorable weather conditions over the launch site. Another launch attempt will be made Friday night.
0127 GMT (9:27 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Minus-1 minutes, 31 seconds and holding! The countdown has stopped. This will be a scrub for tonight of the Ariane 5 rocket launch carrying the Anik F2 communications satellite.
0127 GMT (9:27 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Minus-2 minutes and counting.
0126 GMT (9:26 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Minus-3 minutes. The weather remains "no go" but the countdown continues.
0125 GMT (9:25 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Minus-4 minutes. Pressurization is scheduled to be underway for the main cryogenic stage's liquid oxygen and hydrogen tanks. Also, final pyrotechnic arming is to start.
0123 GMT (9:23 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Minus-6 minutes and counting. At this point in the countdown, the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen supplies of the main cryogenic stage are verified at flight level. Also, the pyrotechnic line safety barriers are armed.
0122 GMT (9:22 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Minus-6 minutes, 30 seconds. The countdown is continuing despite the "red" condition with the weather.
0122 GMT (9:22 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Minus-7 minutes and counting. The Synchronized Sequence has started. Computers are now in control of this final segment of the launch countdown to prepare the rocket and ground systems for liftoff. There are two computers running the countdown -- one aboard the Ariane 5 and a redundant one at the ELA-3 launch complex.
0121 GMT (9:21 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Arianespace says it is weather causing the "no go" condition.
0120 GMT (9:20 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Minus-8 minutes, 50 seconds. The status panel in the control center just went "red" again to indicate a problem.
0116 GMT (9:16 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
The feed has been restored as the countdown passes Minus-11 minutes. All remains "go" for launch at 0129 GMT.
0116 GMT (9:16 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
The Arianespace satellite broadcast from Kourou has just gone black. We're standing by for the feed to resume.
0115 GMT (9:15 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Arianespace is not reporting any problems with the Ariane 5 rocket, Anik F2 satellite, ground support equipment or weather as the countdown moves into the final 15 minutes for liftoff at 0129 GMT. Since launch is now targeted for the very end of tonight's window, there is no margin for any problems or delay.
0106 GMT (9:06 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Now 23 minutes from launch. The weather constraint has been cleared, Arianespace says.
0104 GMT (9:04 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Arianespace says the storm is moving through the area. So the launch team is now targeting the very last moment of tonight's launch window for liftoff at 0129 GMT. The countdown is being reset to synch up with the new target time.
0101 GMT (9:01 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
The countdown must resume within the next 12 minutes to support liftoff by the end of today's launch opportunity.
0052 GMT (8:52 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Arianespace is back to saying clouds are causing the delay. A spokesperson says Arianespace is waiting for the clouds to pass in hopes of liftoff toward the end of tonight's launch window.
0050 GMT (8:50 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
The countdown remains stopped at Minus-16 minutes. There has been no further update from Arianespace on the potential for the weather to clear and permit the Ariane 5 rocket to launch tonight. Liftoff would have to occur by 0129 GMT when the day's launch window closes. Otherwise, the mission will be postponed until another day.
0044 GMT (8:44 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Arianespace now says it is high-altitude winds causing the launch delay! Initially, the launch commentators blamed the countdown hold on the winds, then said it was clouds, now they are saying winds again.
0038 GMT (8:38 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Arianespace has changed its earlier report. Now spokespeople say it is not winds causing the delay, but actually clouds over the launch site that are unacceptable for the Ariane 5 rocket to fly through at the moment. The countdown continues holding at Minus-16 minutes.
0031 GMT (8:31 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
The countdown is on hold due to unfavorable high-altitude winds. This hold in the countdown will last for 20 minutes while officials wait to see if conditions will improve for liftoff tonight. Arianespace has until 0129 GMT to launch the Ariane 5 or else wait until tomorrow.
0029 GMT (8:29 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Minus-16 minutes and holding! The countdown has been stopped due to a problem.
0023 GMT (8:23 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Arianespace is just minutes away from the scheduled launch its first commercial satellite-delivery mission of 2004 with the flight of the Ariane 5 rocket and the Anik F2 communications spacecraft. It is the second Ariane 5 flight overall this year following the European Space Agency Rosetta comet probe's launch in March.
THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2004
2143 GMT (5:43 p.m. EDT)
The countdown for tonight's Ariane 5 rocket launch is entering the final three hours. The rocket's main cryogenic stage will be fueled, rocket systems tested and the Anik F2 spacecraft prepped for flight, leading up to liftoff during the launch window of 0043 to 0129 GMT.
Watch this page for updates starting about 20 minutes before launch and continuing through deployment of the satellite a half-hour after liftoff.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2004
The Ariane 5 rocket headed back to its launch pad at the Guiana Space Center today, rolling out on its mobile launch platform. Launch remains targeted to occur Thursday night.
TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2004
2130 GMT (5:30 p.m. EDT)
Arianespace has rescheduled the launch of its Ariane 5 rocket and the Canadian Anik F2 spacecraft for Thursday night. Liftoff will be possible between 0043 and 0129 GMT (8:43-9:29 p.m. EDT).
"With the complementary verifications and corrective actions now completed on the Ariane 5 launcher, Arianespace has decided to resume the final countdown operations for Flight 163," the launch firm said in a statement today.
The rocket was returned to its processing hangar for repairs after a problem occurred during Monday's initial countdown.
Arianespace has not disclosed the nature of the problem, the system it impacted and how the issue was resolved.
The vehicle will head back to the launch pad on Wednesday for the next launch attempt.
MONDAY, JULY 12, 2004
2125 GMT (5:25 p.m. EDT)
DELAY. A problem with the Ariane 5 rocket has scrubbed tonight's launch of the Canadian Anik F2 communications satellite. Workers must move the vehicle back to its hangar for repairs, officials just announced.
Arianespace has not released details on the glitch, only saying "an anomaly occurred during a data checkpoint with the launcher."
Ariane 5 rockets are assembled atop a mobile launching platform, then rolled to the pad the day prior to liftoff. But when problems arise, a trip back to the Final Assembly Building is typically required. That is the case this time as Arianespace says the vehicle will leave the pad "in order to correct the anomaly."
A new launch date has not been announced.
SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2004
A massive satellite to provide broadband Internet services and digital communications across North America will ride an Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket into space Monday night.
Liftoff from the ELA-3 launch pad at Kourou, French Guiana, along South America's northeast coast, will be possible between 0043 and 0129 GMT (8:43-9:29 p.m. EDT).
The synchronized launch sequence will begin about 7 minutes prior to liftoff if all systems are "go" for continuing the countdown. Following this critical milestone is a series of fast-paced events culminating with the ignition of the Vulcain main engine. The two solid rocket boosters will roar to life 7 seconds later, followed immediately by liftoff.
The Ariane 5 will take a standard ascent profile to geosynchronous transfer orbit carrying the Canadian Anik F2 satellite. The two solid-fueled boosters will burn out two minutes, 21 seconds into flight, but the cryogenic first stage engine will continue firing until 10 minutes after launch, when it will shut down and separate to allow the upper stage to ignite and continue the trek to orbit. The storable propellant upper stage will burn for about 17 minutes to inject the satellite payload into the proper orbit.
Deployment of 13,118-pound Anik F2 craft from the launcher is expected at T+plus 28 minutes, 37 seconds.
Built by Boeing Satellite Systems, the Anik F2 satellite will be operated from geostationary orbit at 111.1 degrees West longitude by the Ottawa-based firm Telesat.
"With its Ka-band, C-band, and Ku-band transponders, plus a xenon ion propulsion system for on-orbit maneuvering, Anik F2 incorporates some of Boeing's most sophisticated flight-proven technology," said David Ryan, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International. "Anik F2 is also the third generation of satellite designs we have built for Telesat, continuing a relationship that has entered its fourth decade."
Officials say Anik F2 will be North America's first commercial satellite-based broadband communications service.
This will be the second Ariane 5 rocket launch in 2004 and the 19th overall since the inaugural mission in 1996. It is known as Arianespace Flight 163.
Watch this page for updates during the final countdown and launch of the Ariane 5 rocket.