[Satellite Today 02-06-09] The Ciel-2 satellite has entered commercial service, Ciel Satellite Group announced Feb. 5.
    The satellite, located at 129 degrees West, carries 32 Ku-band transponders and features high frequency re-use and both regional and spot beams. The satellite was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in December and will provide high-definition television services to the North American market, primarily for anchor customer Dish Network Corp.
    “We are very pleased that Ciel-2 has successfully completed all of its initial testing and are excited about its entry into commercial operations,” Brian Neill, executive chairman of Ciel, said in a statement. “The support of many parties, particularly our shareholders and Industry Canada, has been central to our success, and we look forward to a bright future of serving customers for many years to come throughout North America.”