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Yamal-201 spin causes disruptions in communications, broadcast

The spin is over, and the satellite batteries are being recharged

MOSCOW, December 20 (Itar-Tass) — The Yamal-201 telecom satellite of Gazprom Space Systems had a failure on Tuesday causing disruptions in communications and broadcast in some regions of Russia.

“Yamal-201 had a spin in the morning, which disrupted communications and broadcast in several regions. The company is in full control of the satellite, which transmits telemetric data and receives data inputs,” the company said.

The spin is over, and the satellite batteries are being recharged. “When the satellite regains its normal orientation, transponders will be turned on,” the company said. “That will take several hours, and then communications and broadcast will resume in full.”

Yamal-201 launched in 2003 stays at 90 degrees East on a geostationary orbit. It carries C and Ku transponders and provides communication, data transfer, videoconference, television and Internet services. The orbiting slot covers 95% of the Russian territory, where more than 98% of all residents live.