This will be the fourth satellite for Telesat to be launched on a Proton rocket by ILS, a Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) joint venture. The spacecraft is a Eurostar 3000 model built by EADS Astrium, similar to the Anik F1R satellite that Telesat will launch with ILS on a Proton vehicle in late 2005.

"We're very happy to once again launch a Telesat satellite," said ILS President Mark Albrecht. "Proton vehicles successfully placed both of the Nimiq satellites into orbit for Telesat's direct-to-home services. We know the Anik F satellites are important to Telesat's expanding business, and we thank Telesat for its continued confidence."

The Proton vehicle, built by Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center of Russia, has carried out more than 300 missions for the Russian government and commercial customers over nearly 40 years. The rocket has a reliability record of 96 percent, and 100 percent with the Breeze M upper stage. ILS and the Russian government together have planned 10 launches for the Proton manifest this year.

The Anik F3 contract is the fourth announced in 2004 by ILS, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin, manufacturer of the Atlas rocket, and Khrunichev. ILS markets and manages commercial missions on both the Proton and Atlas vehicles.

Albrecht noted that the Anik F3 launch will be the sixth for ILS with a Eurostar 3000 satellite. Three have been scheduled for Proton launches this year, including the successful mission with Eutelsat's W3A satellite last month. One is scheduled this year on an Atlas vehicle. "Not only do we have a long-standing relationship with Telesat, but we also are enjoying a growing partnership with EADS Astrium," Albrecht said.

"A proven track record of launch vehicle reliability and competitive pricing have always been our top priorities when selecting a launch service provider," said Larry Boisvert, Telesat's president and CEO. "We look forward to working with ILS on a mission that will help enable the continued growth of Telesat's business across North America."