Caution light: The Anik E2 solar disruption and its effect on Telesat Canada

Telesat Canada is a satellite communications firm, founded in 1969, that provides global broadcast and broadband services. Its fleet of satellites includes the geostationary Anik line. On January 20, 1994, a major solar storm knocked out communications on two Anik satellites. Anik E1 was recovered through a backup system within hours. However, Anik E2 was non-operational until June 1994, when engineers used an innovative ground fix to regain control.