TIM FURNISS / LONDON
Thuraya and PanAmSat claims expected to top $580m
The space insurance business is set to suffer a double hit, with Thuraya Satellite Communications making a claim of $371 million for the loss of the Boeing Satellite Systems-built Thuraya 1A communications satellite, and PanAmSat preparing a claim for $215 million for the in-orbit "loss" of its Space Systems/Loral-built Panamsat 7 communications satellite.
The Thuraya claim would be the largest insurance payment ever made for an individual satellite.
The Boeing 702/GEM model Thuraya satellite suffered power losses due to an endemic solar-array problem, specific to Boeing 702 (formerly Hughes Space and Communications) models. Tharaya plans to launch its second Boeing-built satellite next year. Boeing inherited the 702's problems when it acquired the former Hughes space company. It is claiming $750 million in compensation from Hughes.
The PanAmSat claim follows a sudden power loss last September, after earlier malfunctions as a result of solar cell problems. The satellite's power was reduced to less than 75% operational capability, which qualifies it for an insurance claim. The claims come as both voice satellite communication companies are suffering from a lack of business and low revenues.
Meanwhile, fellow satellite communication operator Eutelsat has signed a contract with Alcatel Space for the supply of a satellite, designated W5, to be fast-tracked for launch this summer. The Eutelsat W5, expected to be confirmed as the payload for the first Boeing Delta IV launch, is the original Eutelsat W1 spacecraft, which was damaged during testing in 1998 and resulted in a $50 million insurance claim. The 3t, 6kW Spacebus 3000 platform will carry 25 Ku-band transponders.
Hellas Sat will lease the Deutsche Telekom DFS Kopernikus 3 communications satellite in geostationary orbit temporarily to ensure the country's reserved 39°E slot is not lost. Greece will lose its slot in September. The German satellite will be moved from its present location at 23.5°E. Hellas Sat hopes to launch its own 34-transponder communications satellite later this year. Despite poor prospects for dedicated Ka-band communications satellites, a new company, Pegasus Communications is issuing a request for proposals for two Ka-band satellites. The first will be stationed at 107°W in geostationary orbit. It must be in position by March or will lose its Federal Communications Commission licence.Source: Flight International
