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Russia to Sink Damaged Express-AM11 Satellite |
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MOSCOW, March 31, 2006/Satnews Daily/ ― The Russian Satellite Communications Co. (RSCC) has declared Ekspress-AM11 satellite a total loss after it was hit by space debris on Wednesday at 3:41 a.m. (Moscow time).
According to the preliminary finding of the NPO-PM spacecraft manufacturer, the telemetry information showed the satellite’s failure had been caused by a sudden external impact on the spacecraft of a space garbage, resulting in an instantaneous depressurization of the thermal control system fluid circuit. This was followed by a sudden outburst of a heat-carrying agent from the thermal control system resulting in the spacecraft’s loss of orientation and rotation.
A commission investigating the accident said while measures were taken to save the satellite, telemetry data are now showing crucial values that can result in the total loss of the satellite.
RSCC said the commission has recommended to remove Express-AM11 from 96.5 East into space disposal orbit in accordance with standard algorithms.
According to a Tass report, an expert on the space industry has said that the spacecraft will be pushed from the orbit in one week’s time.
Express-AM11 is equipped with 30 transponders and has total capacity of 2,000 W. It was launched on April 27, 2004 and was built jointly by France's Alcatel Space and Sodern, with some equipment made in Germany and Japan. The spacecraft was scheduled to remain in orbit for at least 12 years.
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