Eutelsat Communications’ W5 satellite is to lose a fifth transponder ahead of a forthcoming solar eclipse. The earlier shutdown of four transponders following the loss of one of two solar panels met with anger from Chinese language channel New Tang Dynasty (NTDTV).
Manufacturers Thales Alenia Space said the reconfiguration, designed to cope with the loss of onboard power on the SB3000 platform, would reduce the life of the satellite by three years. The shutdown of the fifth transponder would provide the additional margin needed for thermal control and battery charging.
In a statement Eutelsat said there was no need to record an impairment charge, based on the information to hand, or to adjust the value of the W5 satellite on its balance sheet.
Last month the satellite operator indicated that a further transponder shutdown remained a possibility.
