The Ciel Satellite Group has announced that the launch of Ciel II is on schedule for Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 13:43 (GMT) aboard the International Launch Services' ProtonM/Breeze M rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Built by Thales Alenia Space, the Canadian BSS geosynchronous satellite will be operated by Ciel at 129 degrees West and deliver services throughout North America.

Ciel II is the largest Spacebus class spacecraft ever built, weighing 5,592 kg at launch; Ciel II is expected to operate for at least 15 years.

The new BSS spacecraft will be capable of serving all regions of Canada visible from 129 degrees West Longitude, as well as the larger North American market. The satellite's design was closely coordinated with an affiliate of DISH Network, a primary customer for the new satellite.

The Ciel Satellite Group was awarded the license for 129 degrees West Longitude from Industry Canada in October 2004. Ciel II will be operated from a new Satellite Operations Centre at SED Systems in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The Ciel II satellite provides 10.6 kilowatts of power to the communications payload, which consists of 32 Ku-band transponders. The all Ku-band BSS satellite features high frequency re-use and both regional and spot beams.

The designated mission of Ciel II is to expand the bandwidth resources needed to increase the number of high definition and other TV services offered by broadcasters throughout North America.

Brian Neill, chairman of the Ciel Satellite Group, said, "The daily reports from Baikonur indicate that all systems are go for December 10, a reflection of the seamless teamwork by the experts from ILS, Thales and our investor/partner, SES, who have been preparing Ciel II for launch since the spacecraft arrived in Kazakhstan on November 9."

He continued, "This is a momentous occasion for Ciel, as we fulfill our promise to Industry Canada and deliver a terrific spacecraft to the new Canadian BSS orbital position of 129 degrees West Longitude."

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