Echostar 2

[Toddwsu2005]

Is Echostar 2 finally being sent off to it's death?

 

[Randall DBS]

I think its been dead pretty much since they lost control of it.

 

[kstuart]

If it comes through your roof, be sure to tell us about it !

 

[Randall DBS]

Thank god it was hovering over the pacific ocean lol. Wait a minute I do have a uncle that lives in Seattle, guess I should warn him that there could possibly be a satellite crash through his house.

 

[ramnet]

echostar 2 died summer 2008 - leaving echostar 1 a widow at 148.

echostar 5 will be going to 148 soon so echostar 1 isn't lonely (one is old and the other is weak

 

[Randall DBS]

I just wonder if these satellites would last longer if they had a way to refuel them?

 

[nelson61]

I just wonder if these satellites would last longer if they had a way to refuel them?

To give you an idea, Ciel 2 has a predicted probability of 0.7 to survive it's 15 year projected life without either mechanical or electrical failure.

 

[HDRoberts]

I think faster than light travel will be discovered before we have a good way to refuel GEO satellites.

LIVE REAL TIME SATELLITE TRACKING: ECHOSTAR 2

Echostar 2 is drifting uncontrollably. It's gone from 148W to 117W, with a 0.5 degree inclination.

 

[Claude Greiner]

The problem is that the satellite is technically obselete a few years after its launched. The fact it lasted 12 years is a blessing in its self

 

[nelson61]

Looks like Echostar is not the only one with a loose cannonball running in the geostationary orbit.

FOXNews.com - Failed Telecom Satellite Drifting Out of Control - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News

 

[Sammy033]

If you look up and see a big bright dot getting bigger but not moving, its headed right for you and I suggest you move away.... far far away.

 

[Koilvr]

If you look up and see a big bright dot getting bigger but not moving, its headed right for you and I suggest you move away.... far far away.

where should I move to? I see this dot and it is getting brighter

 

[Fitzie]

Looks like Echostar is not the only one with a loose cannonball running in the geostationary orbit.

FOXNews.com - Failed Telecom Satellite Drifting Out of Control - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News

Interesting story, one theory is that an erroneous ground command may have caused the lack of control. Built by Thales Alenia of France and Italy, and owned by SES, SES says it has options to replace the satellite. Launched in 1997, this would be a great-great uncle of Ciel 2. (So to speak.)

 

[cebbigh]

where should I move to? I see this dot and it is getting brighter

Signal first, glance over your shoulder and then merge right if all is clear.

 

[Randall DBS]

Well if it lands in my backyard does that mean its mine?

 

[skysurfer]

I just wonder if these satellites would last longer if they had a way to refuel them?

It's a good thing sats only live 10-15 years if they fulfill their lifetimes. Technology improves in that time frame and the replacement satellite is much better - stronger transponders, usually more efficient solar arrays and more efficient stationkeeping methods.