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.

Related Links:

•  Wall Street Journal article (subscription required)
•  Reuters article
•  SEC filing with additional details