Intelsat Loses IS-804 Satellite to Electrical Anomaly

Intelsat reported the total loss of its in-orbit IS-804 satellite due to unexpected electrical power system anomaly on January 14. The satellite, launched in 1997, furnished telecommunications and media delivery services to customers in the South Pacific. A number of Intelsat-operated satellites in the region are being utilized to restore service to affected customers. Intelsat expects to record a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $73 million to write off the value of the IS-804 satellite. The IS-804 was not insured.



Intelsat said the loss of the satellite could impact its pending acquisition by private investors led by Zeus Holdings.



Intelsat also stated that it is working with Lockheed Martin Corporation, the manufacturer of the satellite, to identify the cause of the problem. Intelsat currently believes that there is no connection between this event and the recent IA-7 satellite anomaly as the two satellites were manufactured by two different companies and their designs are different.
http://www.intelsat.comIn November 2004, Intelsat reported the loss of its in-orbit Americas-7 satellite following an unexpected electrical distribution anomaly. Customer traffic was diverted to alternative satellites. After a week of intensive recovery efforts, Intelsat regained contact and control of its Americas-7 satellite. The Americas-7 satellite, which operates at 129° West, was launched in September 1999 and covers the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Central America, and parts of South America. The satellite was self-insured by Intelsat.