[Satellite Today 07-14-08]  The capacity of the W5 satellite has been permanently reduced due to the technical problems the satellite suffered in June, satellite operator Eutelsat announced July 11.
    Following a problem with the satellite’s power generator subsystem, Eutelsat switched off four of W5’s transponders. The power performance of the spacecraft has been stabilized, but a technical investigation conducted along with satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space has determined that it will not be possible to recover operational use of the four transponders, Eutelsat said. This will leave W5 with 20 operational transponders.
    Reporters Without Borders accused Eutelsat July 10 of shutting down the transponders due to complaints from the Chinese government about broadcasts by independent Chinese station New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV).