Hong Kong-based satellite operator APT has had to switch off “several” transponders on its Apstar-6 satellite.

The craft appears to have suffered a problem on one of its solar arrays which convert the sun’s light into electricity.

The satellite was built by Alcatel Space (now Thales Alenia) some 14 years ago and launched on April 12th 2005 by a Chinese Long March 3B rocket. It carries 38 C-band and 12 Ku-band transponders. One of the Ku-band transponders beams broadband capacity into China.

Its capacity is normally used over China, India and as far as Australia.

APT says it has urgently moved its new Apstar-6C satellite into the 134 degrees East slot to provide capacity for the sailing craft. Apstar-6C was launched May 3 and normally would normally still be undergoing in-orbit tests.

APT adds that all its customers on Apstar-6 had now been reconnected.

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Categories: Articles, DTH/Satellite