Anik A1: Communication by satellite
An exploration courtesy of Telesat

Did you know that November 9, 1997 marked the 25th anniversary of one of Canada's greatest achievements in broadcasting?

It was on this date in 1972 that Telesat Canada made history with the launch of the world's first commercial communications satellite -- the Anik A1.

Before Telesat's Anik A1, communications satellites could only transmit for a few hours a day, because they moved faster than the earth's rotation. By succeeding in launching a satellite into a geostationary orbit above the equator, Telesat was able to bring Canada the world's first national satellite broadcasting system.

Geostationary satellites are placed in a special orbit above the earth (roughly 35, 000 km above the equator) and rotate with the earth such that their positions remain fixed over a particular part of the globe. This enables 24-hour broadcasting and telecommunications systems to operate via satellite.

In the Inuit dialect, Anik means "little brother". Telesat's satellites were named Anik to symbolize Telesat's commitment to help Canadians communicate with each other.

Since the launch of Anik A1 in 1972, Telesat Canada has continued to develop and improve its series of Anik communications satellites.