Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) has revealed that its INSAT-4B communication satellite has suffered a power supply anomaly in one of its two solar panels.
The glitch has forced ISRO to switch off 50% of the satellite’s transponder capacity….
Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) has revealed that its INSAT-4B communication satellite has suffered a power supply anomaly in one of its two solar panels.
The glitch has forced ISRO to switch off 50% of the satellite’s transponder capacity. ISRO engineers are now currently investigating the possibility of the partial utilisation of some of those transponders. The satellite was not insured.
Launched by Arianespace in March 2007 and with an expected 12-year lifespan, INSAT-4B carries a total of 24 transponders, 12 Ku- and 12 C-band.
The failure is worrying for Antrix, the commercial arm of ISRO, given that INSAT-4B was based on its I-3K bus, the same platform used for Eutelsat W2M, which suffered a major anomaly affecting the satellite’s power subsystem immediately following its launch and orbital placement in December 2008. Antrix has been seeking to market the I3K platform internationally through its joint development deal with EADS Astrium.
