CSA helps fund payload for ANIK F2 satellite

Three high tech firms and the federal government have entered a collaborative funding agreement to develop, deploy and operate a cutting-edge multimedia payload for the new ANIK F2 satellite which is slated for launch in 2002. The $109-million project will see the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) pay $60 million to Telesat Canada and $20 million in non-repayable R&D contributions to COM DEV International Ltd and EMS Technologies Inc to deliver the Ka band, high-speed multimedia communications layload. The firms will contribute a total of $29 million.

In return for its portion of the investment, Telesat - a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE Media - will provide the government with an equivalent value in multimedia services, which is expected to be used to support Industry Canada's SchoolNet program and initiatives in telemedicine and telelearning. The CSA and the Communications Research Centre (CRC) - both Industry Canada agencies - will jointly manage the multifaceted agreement.

The on-board processor will be an extension of COM DEV's BEAM*LINK technology, which was developed by its Space Group division with support from the Department of National Defence, the CRC and the CSA. BEAM*LINK was conceived to meet the growing demand for broadband wireless services.

EMS Technologies will develop and deliver the digital processor to be used in the payload at its Ste Anne de Bellevue facilities near Montreal. EMS acquired the facility from Spar Aerospace early last year, as well as its personnel and outstanding contracts.

"We wanted to prove the technology because no company would try it alone," says Dr Virendra Jha, the CSA's DG space technologies. "Front-end, high risk technology is where the government comes in."

The $600-million ANIK F2 is the largest commercial communications satellite ever launched and will be the first satellite in North America to carry a digital on-board processor. It will also be the first to commercialize the use of the Ka band (20 GHz) frequency range. As such, is compatible with small, direct broadcast satellite dishes.

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