Arianespace officials late yesterday said Telesat’s Anik F2 satellite has been mated with a cone-shaped adapter that serves as the interface structure between the telecommunications satellite and its Ariane 5 launch vehicle. This action, officials said, marks the initial contact between Anik F2 and the Ariane 5 launcher. Officials said preparations are on track to launch the satellite into orbits on its scheduled July 12 launch date.