PanAmSat experiences problems with two satellites
Posted: Mon, Jul 14, 2003, 11:29 AM ET (1529 GMT)
Two communications satellites operated by PanAmSat have experiences thruster problems that may limit their usefulness, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday. According to the report, two satellites have experienced problems with their xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS) electric thruster units in the last month. A PanAmSat filing with the SEC, dated July 11, identified the spacecraft as Galaxy 4R, which lost its secondary XIPS unit in late June, and PAS-6B, which lost its secondary XIPS unit on July 9. Both are Boeing 601HP model spacecraft. Both spacecraft had previously lost their primary XIPS thrusters but do have conventional chemical thrusters to provide stationkeeping, although they only have enough propellant for a few years of operations. The two spacecraft were relatively young, having been launched within the last five years and designed to operate for at least 15 years. PanAmSat had previously written off two other Boeing 601HP spacecraft, PAS-5 and Galaxy 8i, because of similar XIPS problems.
Two communications satellites operated by PanAmSat have experiences thruster problems that may limit their usefulness, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday. According to the report, two satellites have experienced problems with their xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS) electric thruster units in the last month. A PanAmSat filing with the SEC, dated July 11, identified the spacecraft as Galaxy 4R, which lost its secondary XIPS unit in late June, and PAS-6B, which lost its secondary XIPS unit on July 9. Both are Boeing 601HP model spacecraft. Both spacecraft had previously lost their primary XIPS thrusters but do have conventional chemical thrusters to provide stationkeeping, although they only have enough propellant for a few years of operations. The two spacecraft were relatively young, having been launched within the last five years and designed to operate for at least 15 years. PanAmSat had previously written off two other Boeing 601HP spacecraft, PAS-5 and Galaxy 8i, because of similar XIPS problems.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Apex becomes billion-dollar company with $200 million Series D round
Posted: Sun, Sep 14 4:09 AM ET (0809 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, September 17
Falcon 9 launch of Starlink satellites scheduled for Wednesday morning
KEYT-TV Santa Barbara, CA — 1:34 am ET (0534 GMT) Colorado Springs springs into action amid loss of Space Command
Washington Times — 1:34 am ET (0534 GMT) SpaceX rocket-launching license survives NEPA challenge
POLITICO — 1:30 am ET (0530 GMT) SpaceX Eyes First Starship Version 3 Launch In ’25 Or ’26
Aviation Week — 1:29 am ET (0529 GMT) Judge dismisses suit challenging SpaceX's Starship approval
Houston Chronicle — 1:28 am ET (0528 GMT) |
