[Satellite TODAY 08-12-10] The Amos 5i communications satellite will run out of fuel before its replacement, Amos 5, is launched in mid-2011, Israeli operator Spacecom Satellite Communications announced Aug. 9.
    Spacecom said it must now find alternatives for Amos 5i’s telecommunications customers in Africa, which will result in a $12 million loss in the 2010-2011 timeframe on accelerated depreciation on the satellite and loss of profits. The operator said it has not signed new capacity partners at this time but will be exploring options soon.
    Amos-5i, previously AsiaSat 2 until Spacecom contracted the satellite for exclusive use in January, was moved from the 100.5 degrees East orbital slot to 17 degrees East to provide C-band and Ku-band capacity for a variety of satellite communications services to the African continent until Amos-5 begins service.
    Amos-5, being built by ISS Reshetnev of Russia, will feature a fixed pan-African C-band beam and three steerable Ku-band beams covering Africa with connectivity to Europe and the Middle East supporting multiple C-band and Ku-band transponders.