Bei Rascom-QAF1 ist wohl ein Problem aufgetreten:
Nachdem der Satellit ausgesetzt wurde, ist ein Großteil des Heliums aus noch ungeklärten Gründen ausgetreten.
Siehe Originalbericht von Thales Alenia.
Cannes, December 29, 2007 - Thales Alenia Space announced today that RASCOM-QAF1's Launch Early Operation Procedures have been stopped due to a leakage of the Helium sub-system. The satellite was immediately put in a stable configuration.
Thales Alenia Space is currently conducting a detailed analysis. Appropriate decisions will be taken shortly with its customer RASCOMSTAR-QAF.
Cannes, January 8, 2008 - Thales Alenia Space announced today a new step in the RASCOM-QAF1's Launch Early Operation Procedures further to technical investigations and in agreement with the customer RASCOMSTAR-QAF.
Making the best possible use of the remaining helium pressurant, Thales Alenia Space is raising the perigee of the orbit in order to bring the satellite to a safe orbit regarding radiations and to allow further analysis of the possibility to reach the GEO orbit.
Should the satellite be able to reach its final orbital position, then its lifetime would be significantly reduced.
Quelle: Thales Alenia Space Homepage