Galaxy IIIR Shifts to Backup Control After Failure

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Galaxy IIIR Shifts to Backup Control After Failure

Galaxy IIIR experienced the failure of its primary SCP at 18:40 UTC (11:40 a.m. PDT) on April 21 causing a temporary outage of some C-band and Ku-band transponders. Normal operations were restored to the satellite within two hours, during which time some customers experienced brief interruptions of service.

The Galaxy IIIR satellite experienced the apparent failure of its primary spacecraft control processor (SCP), which caused the satellite to automatically switch control to its back-up SCP. Normal satellite operations were restored through the use of the back-up SCP. PanAmSat and Boeing Satellite Systems, the satellite manufacturer, are continuing to investigate the failure. The BSS 601 (formerly called HS 601) spacecraft was launched in 1995. PanAmSat is set to launch Galaxy IIIC, during the third quarter of this year to serve as the replacement for Galaxy IIIR at 95°W.

Boeing has previously concluded that SCPs on BSS 601 spacecraft launched prior to August 1997 contain tin-plated relay switches that can experience electrical shorts when several factors are concurrently present. The PAS 4 Indian Ocean Region satellite experienced the failure of its primary SCP in November 1998, though it continues to provide normal service on its backup SCP. PanAmSat plans to launch PAS 10 in May to serve as the replacement for PAS 4 at 68.5°E.

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April 23, 2001