4 Geo satellites have problems
October 11, 2023
Avanti Communications and YahSat have issues with their orbiting satellites. There are also reports that two so-called Space Tugs are also suffering problems.
The insurance industry, already reeling from problems on a Viasat satellite and a major claim on an Inmarsat craft, are expecting significant claims to be made.
The problems are reportedly based on power modules which drive the plasma thrusters which maintain a satellite on its correct orbital position. Space News says the affected satellites are Avanti’s Hylas 4 and YahSat’s Al Yah 3.
Engineers have lowered the output from the Power Processing Units (PPU) which seems to have eased the problems on the units which have not already failed.
The two Space Tugs, Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicles MEV-1 and MEV-2 are also operating on reduced power output from their remaining PPU units.
The PPUs were reportedly supplied by Aerojet Rocketdyne. The company is now owned by L3Harris.
The satellites were bult at Northrop Grumman’s facility between 2018-2020.
Hylas 4 was launched in April 2018. YahSat’s Al Yah 3 was launched in May 2018. Both would have been expected to have a lifetime expectancy of at least 15 years. That lifetime could be impacted, hence the insurance dilemma.
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