Pasifik Satelit Nusantara, Indonesia’s first private satellite company, has reported an anomaly with their Palapa-C satellite. The Palapa-C, jointly owned by P.T. Satelindo and located at 50.5 degrees E, is a HS 601 platform built by Hughes Electronics.
Initial indications are that an electrical power anomaly affected operation of the spacecraft. While the satellite responded as expected in accordance with intended design functions and existing contingency procedures returned it to normal operations, the ability to recharge batteries was apparently lost. In Hughes’ opinion, this anomaly is unlike spacecraft control processor or battery problems reported on other HS 601 satellites.
As testing and evaluation continues, the company’s preliminary technical assessment centers on Battery Charge Controller B (BCC-B) which appears to be no longer functioning as designed. Due to the earlier loss of BCC-A, the primary battery charge controller during transfer orbit maneuvers, battery charging has been dependent on BCC-B. All battery charging, therefore, is now inhibited. Batteries are the exclusive source of power during the biannual eclipse periods, when batteries must power satellite electrical units and critical thermal elements.
Although Hughes is not contesting this analysis, the satellite manufacturer proposes to undertake certain tests in an attempt to
recover some of the charging capacity. In Hughes’ opinion, these tests represent an extremely low risk of further damage to the spacecraft.
Mr. Adi R. Adiwoso, CEO and President Director of PSN, commented, “The inability to recharge the batteries of Palapa-C will result in a foreseeable transmission interruption during the eclipses experienced during the months of March and September.”
In order to maintain continuity of services to its customers, the company plans to immediately transfer all Palapa-C customers, including its Xpress Connection¿ and Private Line subscribers, to the currently unassigned transponders on its other Palapa-C satellite, another Hughes built HS 601 satellite located at 113 degrees East. P.T. PSN’s initial evaluation could however change,
as more information becomes available.
Previous HS601 Reports
