Power failure on INSAT-4B hits DTH, regional channels

BANGALORE: In a rare development, a power supply glitch on Indian Space Research Orgnisation‘s (Isro) INSAT-4B has resulted in partial disruption of the services of two direct-to-home (DTH) operators, a few regional television channels and telecom services.

Sun Direct and DD Direct Plus use the Ku-band transponders of Insat-4B.

There was a power supply anomaly in one of the two solar panels that supply power to the satellite, said an Isro official.

The INSAT-4B carries a total of 24 communication transponders (12 Ku-Band and 12 C-Band) and has been in operation since March 2007.
 
Isro admitted on the night of 7 July INSAT-4B experienced a power supply glitch which led to switching ‘off‘ of 50 per cent of the transponder capacity (6 Ku and 6 C-Band transponders).

An expert team is studying the possibilities of partial utilisation of some of the transponders that were switched off and restoring the services at the earliest. 
 
“We are looking at the problem and are trying to solve it over the next week. In case that does not happen, we will consider other arrangements,” said a source at Isro.