The launch of the Space Systems/Loral-built PanAmSat PAS 6 communications satellite, due to take place on 13 May aboard the Ariane V96, has been cancelled and delayed for at least three months after a power loss was experienced on a similar satellite.
The Loral-built Tempo 2 lost 15% of its power after a Solar storm on 11 April. It was decided to carry out detailed checks on the PAS 6 before clearing it for launch.
Arianespace's flexible launch system has allowed flight V97 to be brought forward to 3 June, to launch the Insat 2D and Inmarsat 3F3 communications satellites.
Source: Flight International