Eutelsat Communications has said it has reduced the number of operational transponders on its W5 satellite after an anomaly in the craft’s power generator subsystem.
The incident took place in the night of June 16 to 17 with the Paris-based operator taking swift action to address the problem. The source of the anomaly is currently under investigation by Eutelsat and the satellite’s manufacturer Thales Alenia Space.
In a statement, Eutelsat said it had reduced the number of operational transponders “by a small number” and the remaining capacity was providing normal service.
Positioned at 70 degrees East, and launched in 2002, Eutelsat W5 is the operator’s most easterly satellite. The 24-transponder craft provides connectivity from Asia into Western Europe. Broadcast clients include VOA and TVB, though services also include occasional use video and internet backbone connections.
