INSAT-4B satellite of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed a glitch – power supply from one of its two solar-panels has been cut off, affecting telecast by several television channels.
The INSAT-4B, built by the ISRO Satellite Centre in Bangalore, was put in orbit in March 2007 by an Ariane launch vehicle from Kourou in French Guyana.
ISRO spokesman S. Satish said power was not flowing from one of the solar panels to the satellite bus from July 7 night, which led to switching off 50 per cent of the transponders on board the satellite.
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The INSAT-4B has 12 transponders in Ku-band and 12 transponders in C-band. Due to the glitch, only six Ku-band transponders and six C-band transponders were on now.
“Some television channels have been affected. We are working out contingency measures to restore full operation as early as possible,” Mr. Satish said.
ISRO engineers said the glitch could have developed because a relay that transferred power from the solar panel to the satellite bus could have “misbehaved” or the wires connecting the panel to the satellite could have snapped. “These are the possible causes,” they said.
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