Intersputnik reports failure of Express-2 satellite
INTERSPUTNIK NEWS RELEASE
Posted: June 26, 2001

The Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications announced Monday that on June 11, there was an interruption of transatlantic communications in the Intersputnik system due to an emergency de-activation of the Express-2 satellite (14 deg. West). The failure was purportedly the result of technical problems with the Earth-orientation system. Work is in currently progress to restore the serviceability of the satellite.

Express
An artist's concept of Express satellite in space. Photo: Intersputnik
 
Intersputnik's customers operating via Express-2 were promptly given an opportunity to transfer their communication channels to a new generation Express-3A satellite, put into orbit at 11o West in June 2000. Principal customers using Intersputnik's Express-2 satellite include state-run and private communication operators in Russia, Cuba, Kuwait, Poland, Syria, the USA and several African countries.

The Express-series satellites have been operational in the Intersputnik system since October 1994, when Express-2 was launched into orbital position at 14 deg. West. NPO PM (Russia) designed the Express-series satellites for the purpose of replacing the Gorizont-series spacecraft. The Express-series satellites were the first to feature three-axis orbital stabilization, their guaranteed satellite lifespan was increased to five years, and the boresights of on-board antennas could be controlled by command from the Earth. The second satellite, Express-6, had been operational at 80 deg. East from September 1996 to May 2000 and was replaced with a new generation Express-A-series satellite manufactured jointly by NPO PM and Alcatel Espace.

A new Express-A-1R series satellite is scheduled for launch into 14o West in March 2002. According to an agreement with RSCC, the owner of the satellite, Intersputnik will be allocated nine C-band transponders with zone-beam coverage to provide for transatlantic traffic in the Intersputnik system.

Intersputnik is an international intergovernmental organization set up in 1971 to establish and maintain a global satellite-based telecommunications system. Today, Intersputnik has 24 member nations and enjoys a leading position among operators of global satellite-based telecommunications systems with 29 years of experience. The Intersputnik communications system includes Gorizont- and Express-series spacecraft, as well as the new-generation LMI-1 and Express-A satellites.

Intersputnik provides high-quality international, domestic and regional communication services in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean regions. Intersputnik's users include state-run and private telecommunications and broadcasting organizations worldwide.