SkyTerra 1 launched successfully
Sunday, November 14, 2010.
We invite you to view the [Launch Story] of this exciting event. This is one of our most significant business milestones; the comissioning of the next-generation satellite communications technology. It will enable 4G speed, value and reliability for our wireless customers. The launch will take place in Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.
Satellite Drift - Why it occurs and the resulting issue
The MSAT satellite is nearing the end of its useful service life and the launching of the replacement satellite has unfortunately been delayed. At the end of a satellite's lifetime, when the fuel used to stabalize its position approaches depletion, satellite operators may decide on "rationing" the fuel to prolong the life of the satellite. This results in a reduction of the service area provided for communication. This is the present situation with the MSAT where its "drift" away from optimal position is increasing. This situation has begun to impact some of our customers and more will likely be effected in the future. The geographical areas that will impacted most are at the northernmost edge of out normal service range.
Drift degrades satellite performance in two ways: the satellite may move out of position, or it may assume an improper attitude. It requires corrections applied from the ground to actively counteract the drift. Communications satellites are fitted with small rockets called thrusters used to correct the drift. On command from a control station, a thruster is fired; during the firing, it ejects a gas called fuel or propellant. Like the air escaping from the balloon, the ejected gas produces the force required to reposition the satellite. The majority of the fuel, typically hydrazine is spent for this purpose. Otherwise the satellite experiences a steady increase in the deviation from ideal position and attitude over time.
While the forces at play in here are out of our control, we intend to keep our customers imformed as best we can. We will provide time and location information about where expected service may be lost as the data is accumulated and verified.
Additional information about the mechanics of satellite drift and a link to a SkyTerra PDF publication may be found [HERE].
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