Also called:
Telesat-A; Canadian Communications
Satellite; Anik A-1 ("anik" is Eskimo for brother)
Date of launch (location):
Nov. 9, 1972 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Delta 1914
Weight (kg):
270
Shape:
cylindrical with a parabolic mesh
antenna extending from one end
Dimensions (m):
1.8 diameter
3.3 height
Power source:
Solar cells plus NiCd
batteries
NASA's role:
Launch vehicle and support
(reimbursable)
Cooperating organizations:
NASA and Telesat of Canada
Prime contractor:
Hughes Aircraft Company
Responsible NASA center:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Project manager:
Robert J. Goss
Objectives:
Provide transmission of TV, voice,
data, etc., (analog or digital signals) throughout Canada
for seven years.
Results:
Successful; first of a series of
Canadian domestic communications satellites; handled up to
10 color TV channels or 9600 telephone circuits. First
launch of a Delta "straight 8" configuration. Operated in
synchronous orbit over the equator.
Reference: NASA, "Anik I Mission Operations Report," S-492-201-72-01, Nov. 6, 1972.