Solar array glitch sidelines transponders on Apstar-6 satellite

APT Satellite turned off several transponders on its 13-year-old Apstar-6 satellite after a malfunctioning solar array caused a drop in power. APT Satellite of Hong Kong is working with the satellite’s manufacturer Thales Alenia Space to understand the power issue, which so far appears not to have affected any other satellite systems. Apstar-6 launched in 2005 on a Long March 3B rocket, and has coverage over the Asia Pacific. The satellite still has two years to fulfill its nominal 15-year design life. More

(Source: SpaceNews - Jun 1)