[Satellite TODAY 02-01-10] Satelites Mexicanos (Satmex) is experiencing problems with the Satmex 5 satellite’s primary Xenon Ion Propulsion System (XIPS), the operator announced Jan. 28.
Satmex said that it has not been able to restart the XIPS system after an unexpected shutdown and a failure in its secondary system. The satellite, situated at 116.8 degrees West, is now operating on its back-up bi-propellant propulsion system.
Satmex also confirmed that its Satmex 5 satellite is not insured for a loss due to a XIPS failure and that the malfunction would likely to lead to a reduced lifetime for the satellite. The back-up system means the satellite will now likely have a remaining life of 2.7 years, as compared to almost four years if the XIPS failure had not occurred.
The operator said it does not expect to restart the XIPS system and will begin plans to obtain financing for a replacement satellite.
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