Communication satellite W2M, jointly built by the Indian Space Research Organisation and EADS-Astrium of Europe for Eutelsat, has developed a problem in its power systems.
Eutelsat Communications announces that the performance of the W2M satellite, which was launched on 20 December 2008, does not comply with the requirements set with the spacecraft's manufacturer, EADS Astrium/ISRO Antrix, following a major anomaly affecting the satellite's power subsystem. This anomaly occurred during the satellite's transfer from the location used for in-orbit tests to its operating position at 16 degrees East where its mission was to replace well in advance Eutelsat's W2 satellite. In the interests of protecting continuity of service for clients leasing capacity at the 16 degrees East position, Eutelsat has consequently taken the decision that in the current circumstances W2M will not be integrated into Eutelsat's satellite fleet. Currently under the control of ISRO, the satellite is undergoing a full technical investigation by ISRO and EADS.
W2M Satellite Launched Another achievement by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the satellite "W2M" was successfully launched Sunday morning at Kourou in French Guyana.
'W2M satellite' to be launched on December 20 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set itself one more milestone to achieve, that of launching the 'W2M satellite', a communication satellite developed by the agency, from French Guyana on December 20. Built over a period of 26 months, this 3462-kilogram spacecraft is the heaviest developed by ISRO. K.R. Sridhara Murthy, Managing Director, Antrix Corporation (ISRO's commercial arm) said the communication satellite has been built for European EADS Astrium, a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), and is currently undergoing launch preparations.
In a major commercial achievement for the ISRO, its 'W2M satellite' built for Europe's leading satellite system specialist EADS Astrium is set to be launched from Kourou in French Guyana on December 20. Weighing 3462 kg at lift-off, W2M is the heaviest spacecraft built by the Indian space agency till date and will be launched on board an Ariane rocket.
Arianespace has announced that it has won a contract to launch a new small Eutelsat spacecraft. The satellite will be launched by an Ariane 5 in the second quarter of 2008 from the Guiana Space Centre, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The spacecraft will be built by a joint venture between EADS Astrium and the Indian space agency ISRO, the first such small GEO communications satellite to be built by the venture.
The spacecraft will operate from 10 degrees east with up to 32 Ku-band transponders. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.