[1-2-2008 – Satellite Today] The Rascom-QAF1 satellite is suffering a helium leak and operations have been halted, satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space announced Dec. 29.
    The satellite, placed into orbit Dec. 21 by Arianespace, was put in a stable configuration, and Thales Alenia Space is conducting an analysis. A decision as to what to do next will be made “shortly,” the company said.
    Rascom-QAF1 satellite carries 12 Ku-band and eight C-band transponders intended to provide telecommunications services in rural parts of Africa as well as domestic and international connections, direct TV broadcast services and Internet access.