Telesat Canada’s Nimiq 2 launched from Baikonur

The Proton M/Breeze M successfully lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome right on time at 6:17 p.m. Eastern time (4:17 a.m. Monday in Baikonur) carrying the Nimiq 2 satellite for Telesat Canada.

The first three stages of the Proton M, and the fairing, separated on schedule. The Breeze M upper stage performed the first of its 4 burns and is progressing in its mission to place the satellite into orbit. Separation is expected about 1:10 a.m. Eastern time on December 30.