No replacement through 2015

Satellite still has some advantages over terrestrial distribution/broadcasting. I don't see that changing. Cost for replacing satellites is very expensive and with the economy as it is I don't doubt the replacment schedule is slowing down, but technology is allowing longer lifetimes for satellites and it may be possible to service them in the near future (re-fuel etc). I think satellites are going to be around for a long time!

Well, Galaxy 12 and SES 3 are on orbit, appearing like 'spares'. Just need to be moved, to where ever, when needed. It's like they are saving them for when it's the last option. Heard/read that the AMC3 "numbers" have been re-crunched, so received an extension to the operation permit. Might be another year before SES 3 takes the spot.
I don't see it ever 'going away', but may see some 'changes' as needs change.

more for less

Recent technology improvements have allowed for more traffic on fewer transponders, these last few years.

Why would satellite launches be made two years ahead of retirement on these AMC satellites?
AMC 1 Launched in 2000 with 15 year design life
AMC 7 Launched in 2000 with 15 year planned life expectancy
AMC 8 Launched in 2000 with 15 year planned life expectancy

Galaxy 25 has no malfunction and was retired from heavy C/KU payload at the 97w orbital slot moved into KU only operation in 2009. With the reduced payload demands, it may last several more years. G25 has several more years of fuel and far away from the need to settle into a declined orbit. It appears that Intelsat has at least three platforms in production with planned replacement schedules and three replacements completed in 2012. These new birds have 18 year life expectancy. They would appear to have significant inventory to relocate if an issue occurs.

More 24/7 satellite channels are available at this time than at any point of DTH. Why the concern?

SatelliteAV said:

AMC 8 Launched in 2000 with 15 year planned life expectancy

Galaxy 25 has no malfunction and was retired from heavy C/KU payload at the 97w orbital slot moved into KU only operation in 2009.

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AMC-8 has a lot of issues but there is a backup plan in place if the worst case happened to it.

Galaxy 25 has some c-band activity so it's not Ku-band only.

chadg2 said:

I didn't realize that AMC 7 & 8 had 15 year life. I was thinking more like 12 on those. That was what was causing my concern. Thanks for your help guys.

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some of the newest ones also have 16-18 year lifetime expectancy so it looks like advances are being made in stationkeeping to extend the life beyond 15 years.