New York-based Loral Space & Communications [OTC BB: LRLSQ] plans to begin limited service on its Telstar 14/Estrela do Sul 1 satellite in March. The satellite had trouble deploying one its solar arrays after its Jan. 10 launch (see ST, Jan. 14). An investigation into the cause of the problem and the implementation of any corrective actions is ongoing, Loral said.

Space Systems/Loral, the manufacturer of the satellite, is raising the satellite to geostationary orbit at 63 degrees West Longitude. Telstar 14/Estrela do Sul is generating enough power to operate a minimum of 17 Ku-band transponders, making it capable of meeting immediate customer requirements, as well as Brazilian government requirements, the company said.