Intel satellite lost in space

Intelsat Ltd. has lost its Americas-7 satellite.
This after the bird experienced a sudden and unexpected electrical distribution anomaly on Sunday, November 28 at approximately 2:30 AM Eastern time. Controllers say that this has resulted in the permanent loss of the spacecraft.

Intelsat Americas-7 which was better known as IA-7 was a commercial satellite and was self-insured by Intelsat. It was launched in 1999 and covered the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Central America, and parts of South America.

Many of the customers have already been moved to what Intelsat termed as "alternate capacity." The upcoming launch of the Intelsat Americas -8 satellite, currently scheduled for December 17, 2004, should help mitigate the impact of the loss of IA-7.

(CGC via Benx)

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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