The Lockheed Martin A21200AX, Echostar IV communications satellite launched aboard a Proton booster from Baikonur by ILS International Launch Services on 8 May has experienced problems with solar panel deployment.
Some transponders on board are believed to have been affected.
Lockheed Martin's recent contract to build an Agrani multipurpose geostationary communications for Afro-Asian Satellite Communications of Mumbai, India, may be affected if sanctions are imposed by the USA after India's recent nuclear tests. The US/Russian Lockheed Martin Intersputnik (LMI) organisation has signed its first main customer for the LMI satellite system. Twenty-five LMI transponders have been leased by Rostelecom of Moscow.Source: Flight International