Previous satellites launched by Arianespace for the Ottawa, Canada-based Telesat were Anik F1 in November 2000, MSAT 1 in April 1996, Anik E1 in September 1991, and Anik E2 in April 1991.
The liftoff of Flight 163 had been delayed by two anomalies and a weather scrub, but the Ariane launch team demonstrated its reactivity by adjusting to the situation and making sure Ariane 5 and the Spaceport were launch-ready.
Arianespace's next mission is targeted for October, and will use the Ariane 5 ECA heavylift launcher version. Flight 164 will carry two payloads: the XTAR-EUR X-band telecommunications satellite (for the XTAR joint venture company of Loral Space & Communications and HISDESAT, S.A.), and a Kayser-Threde test satellite produced for the European Space Agency.
