Anik F1R will be manoeuvred over the next few weeks into its final orbit 36,000 km above the equator. From its operating position of 107.3 degrees West longitude, Anik F1R will deliver broadcasting, communications and air navigation services in Canada and the United States, on behalf of Telesat.
T plus 30 minutes The Anik F1R has entered a coast period that will last until T plus 68 minutes, 25 seconds when the Breeze M upper stage re-ignites for a 16.5-minute firing to reach an intermediate orbit. A third burn begins at T plus 3 hours, 29 minutes and lasts 12 minutes. After the third burn the Breeze M jettisons the empty Propellant Tank. The stage then re-ignites at T plus 3 hours, 41 minutes for a 4.5-minute burn. A final 7.5-minute burn will occur at T plus 8 hours, 52 minutes. Separation of the satellite from the upper stage is expected at T plus 9 hours, 11 minutes.
LIFTOFF! The weather was favourable for today's Proton launch with a temperature of 15 degrees C and winds from the southwest at 3 to 6 meters per second. This was the 34th Proton flight for International Launch Services (ILS) and the third of 2005.