Anik F2 Launch Delayed

Last night’s scheduled launch by Arianespace of Telesat Canada’s Anik F2 has been delayed. Officials said an anomaly occurred during a “data checkpoint” with the launcher — an Ariane 5 rocket — resulting in the decision to postpone the mission. As of press time, a new launch date has not been announced. The Anik F2 satellite remains in excellent condition, and it is ready for launch. Once the actual launch takes place, part of the satellite’s transponder capacity would be used by Denver-based WildBlue to commercialize its consumer satellite broadband service in the United States.