Intelsat reported the permanent loss of its in-orbit Americas-7 satellite following an unexpected electrical distribution anomaly on November 28. Customer traffic has been diverted to alternative satellites. The satellite, which operated at 129° West, was launched in September 1999 and covered the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Central America, and parts of South America. The satellite was self-insured by Intelsat.
A new Intelsat Americas-8 satellite is currently scheduled to launch on December 17, 2004. It will provide 36 Ku-band, and 24 C-band, equivalent transponders to the Intelsat North American fleet and help mitigate the impact of the permanent loss of IA-7.
Intelsat noted that the loss of Americas-7 satellite triggers contingency options in its pending acquisition by Zeus Holdings Limited, which has advised Intelsat it is evaluating the impact of the IA-7 failure. http://www.intelsat.com
