VeneSat-1 satellite inactive since March 13, to be pushed into graveyard orbits
- Posted By
10Pointer
- Categories
Science & Technology
- Published
2nd Apr, 2020
-
- The first state-owned communication satellite of Venezuela is reportedly out of service since March 13 when a series of maneuvers left it tumbling in an unusable orbit.
- According to Space News, Venezuela's satellite, VeneSat-1 satellite has been stuck for 11 days in an elliptical orbit above the geostationary arc. This has been observed two US companies that track satellites.
- VeneSat-1 satellite was built by Venezuelan space agency ABAE in association with China Great Wall Industry Corp. and launched in late 2008.
- The launch of VeneSat-1 satellite was intended to provide television and broadband services to Venezuela.
- The website further reported that both Venezuela and China planned in January this year to develop a replacement satellite titled VeneSat-2, which would continue service after VeneSat-1 retired. The first one was expected to remain in service till atleast 2024.
