Preparations continue today as Nimiq 5, a commercial communications satellite built by Space Systems/ Loral is prepared for launch on September 18, from Launch Pad 39 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan for launch customer Telesat, Canada on board the Proton M/Breeze M rocket.
The satellite has a 32 transponder Ku-Band payload with capability to switch capacity between Canada and the Continental United States coverage areas. The satellite will be located at 72.7° West longitude, and will be dedicated to the provision of direct-to-home services as part of Telesat’s DTH fleet.
The Proton M launch vehicle, utilizing a 5-burn Breeze M mission design, will lift off from Pad 39 at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, with the Nimiq 5 satellite on board. The first three stages of the Proton will use a standard ascent profile to place the Ascent Unit (payload fairing, Breeze M upper stage and the Nimiq 5 satellite) into a sub-orbital trajectory. From this point in the mission, the Breeze M will perform planned mission maneuvers to advance the Orbital Unit first to a circular parking orbit, then to an intermediate orbit, followed by a transfer orbit, and finally to a geo-transfer orbit. Separation of the Nimiq 5 satellite is scheduled to occur approximately 9 hours, 15 minutes after liftoff.
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