Panamsat Writes Off Galaxy 7 Following Malfunction

SPACEMART

Panamsat Writes Off Galaxy 7 Following Another Malfunction

"Boeing" has previously concluded that SCPs on Boeing 601 spacecraft launched prior to August 1997 contain tin-plated relay switches that can experience electrical shorts when several factors are concurrently present.

Greenwich - Nov. 24, 2000
PanAmSat announced last Friday that Galaxy 7, a backup satellite that provides occasional services in the United States, has ceased transmissions due to the failure of an onboard system responsible for controlling the spacecraft and maintaining its position relative to earth. The company does not expect the satellite to resume operations.

PanAmSat believes the loss of Galaxy 7 will not adversely affect the company's projected revenues of approximately $1 billion for 2000 or its previously released financial guidance for 2001. PanAmSat intends to file an insurance claim on the satellite, which is fully insured at a value of approximately $130 million.

Galaxy 7, a Boeing 601 spacecraft built by Boeing Satellite Systems Inc., experienced the failure of its backup spacecraft control processor (SCP) at 1:29 p.m. Eastern time on November 22.

Its primary SCP failed in June 1998, and the satellite continued to provide service on its backup SCP. In response to satellite technical issues, PanAmSat implemented a comprehensive satellite expansion and restoration plan in 1998 that included the launch of four new Galaxy spacecraft.

As part of this plan, the advanced Galaxy XI satellite was deployed in December 1999 to serve as the permanent replacement for Galaxy 7 at 91 degrees west longitude. Galaxy 7 then was relocated to 125 degrees west longitude, where it provided backup and a small amount of part-time services.

"PanAmSat took decisive action early on to assure the highest levels of service and reliability across our fleet. As a result, none of our full-time customers will be affected by the Galaxy 7 failure," said R. Douglas Kahn, PanAmSat's president and chief executive officer. "We remain focused on expanding our 21-satellite global network and are confident in the continued performance of our Boeing 601 spacecraft in orbit."

Boeing has previously concluded that SCPs on Boeing 601 spacecraft launched prior to August 1997 contain tin-plated relay switches that can experience electrical shorts when several factors are concurrently present.

PanAmSat currently operates four satellites (other than Galaxy 7) with this design. One of these spacecraft, the PAS-4 Indian Ocean Region satellite, experienced the failure of its primary SCP in November 1998 and continues to provide seamless service on its backup SCP.

PanAmSat plans to launch PAS-10 during the first quarter of 2001 to serve as the replacement for PAS-4 at 68.5 degrees east longitude. The three other spacecraft have fully operational primary and backup SCPs.

SPACEMART

Panamsat Turns Full Circle As Replacement For Oldest Satellite Launched

Kourou - Nov. 15, 2000
PanAmSat turned full circle today with the successful launch of the PAS-1R satellite, the company's eighth Atlantic Ocean Region spacecraft, aboard an Ariane 5. PAS-1R will replace the PAS-1 Atlantic Ocean Region satellite, the first international communications satellite ever launched by a commercial company.

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