[Satellite News 01-29-09] Eutelsat not integrate the W2M satellite into its fleet after the satellite experienced a major anomaly affecting its power subsystem, leading to what is likely to be a total loss of the spacecraft, Eutelsat announced Jan. 28.
    The 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 the W2 satellite. The power problem prevented W2M from complying with the requirements set with the spacecraft’s manufacturers, EADS Astrium and Antrix.
   W2M was the first satellite to be launched as part of a joint venture formed in February 2006 by EADS Astrium and Antrix, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). W2M is under the control of ISRO and is undergoing a full technical investigation. ISRO reported Jan. 2 that it made a $40 million profit from the $80 million contract it received from Astrium-Antrix to build W2M.
    Eutelsat CEO Giuliano Berretta said that the situation affecting W2M is a “serious disappointment” for the company. “For many years we have pursued a strategy based on securing and expanding our in-orbit resources in order to mitigate this type of risk,” he said. “Our current investment program consequently combines early renewal of operating satellites, together with securing the fleet through readily available back-up resources, and expansion of services with larger satellites. This policy puts us in a position to absorb the unavailability of W2M without impact on the continuity of service we provide our customers.”
    W2M was intended to bring capacity at the 10 degrees East orbital slot back to the levels prior to what Eutelsat called a “depointing incident” on the W1 satellite in 2005 which resulted in a 50 percent loss of capacity. The loss of W2M will not have an impact on Eutelsat’s guidance for revenues in excess of 900 million euros ($1.2 billion) for the 2008-2009 financial year, the company said.
    In order to replace the capacity lost with W2M,  the 11-year-old W2 satellite will continue its mission at 16 degrees East. Eutelsat’s W3B satellite, ordered in February 2008 and scheduled for launch in mid-2010, will now be deployed at 16 degrees East, increasing the number of operational transponders at that location from 27 to 56.
Eutelsat also said it is considering using its existing in-orbit resources to meet the requirements of clients who were expected to benefit from the increased capacity on W2M in comparison to W2.
    The Astrium-Antrix joint venture has sold a second satellite to Avanti. Avanti spokeswoman Samantha Robbins told Satellite News that her company does not use the components that caused W2M’s failure.