Satellite News

The newest (and final) DSP early warning satellite has apparently failed after less than a year in geosynchronous orbit, satellite observers and a U.S. defence official said.

Nigerian newspapers are still discussing the failure of the country’s first communications satellite, NigComSat 1. As it has now been confirmed that the total loss of the spacecraft is a reality, the media’s attention turns to the future – and to the past.

It took Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) a week to confirm that its NigComSat 1 has not only temporarily failed in orbit but actually is a total loss. The spacecraft lost both solar arrays in two separate incidents, and independent observations indicate that a hasty emergency attempt to put the satellite into graveyard orbit has failed.

A Nigerian minister said yesterday that the NigSatCom 1 satellite after a power failure had been parked “like you park a car” in order to prevent it from damaging other satellites. Recent tracking data however indicate somebody forgot to put on the parking brake.

China Great Wall Industry Corp. (CGWIC), manufacturer of Nigeria’s NigComSat 1, has confirmed that the satellite suffered a power failure. The spacecraft’s future is uncertain.

Orbcomm said it has had troubles with six spacecraft launched in June 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard demonstration satellite and five quick-launch satellites. Additionally, two older satellites in orbit are no longer operational.

SES has confirmed that the recently relocated and renamed Astra 5A went out of control but said the spacecraft has meanwhile been stabilised.

The solar array problems with certain Lockheed-Martin-built satellites continue and have affected a third SES satellite.