MOSCOW, September 9 (RIA Novosti) - A Russian Proton-M carrier rocket launched from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan put a Canadian satellite, the Anik F1R, into orbit at 11.05 Moscow time (7.05 am GMT) Friday, the Federal Space Agency said.
"The spacecraft, which has a service life of 15 years is designed for telecommunication services, television broadcasting, mobile telephone services, and Wi-Fi Internet access," a spokesman said.
The spacecraft's service life makes it unique, as satellites do not usually remain in orbit for longer than 12 years.
The satellite was made by the EADS Astrium (a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) for the Canadian telecoms operator TeleSat. The satellite will replace the Anik F1 satellite made by Boeing, which is coming to the end of its service life.
