07/18/03

Galaxy IV-R Services

TO: All Stations and Program Distributors
FR: Pete Loewenstein, Vice President for Distribution
RE: Galaxy IV-R Services

We have been advised by PanAmSat (PAS) that anomalies have recently occurred on two of its Boeing 601 HP satellites, including Galaxy IV-R, the satellite on which public radio's three transponders reside. From all available current information, there is no reason to believe that this situation will disrupt services for public radio or other customers on the satellite.

According to PAS, the primary system used to keep the satellite at its assigned location in the orbital arc, a xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS), apparently has failed on Galaxy IV-R. This "station-keeping" function on the satellite is now being performed by the backup system using traditional bi-propellant propulsion technology. If the XIPS system cannot be restored, the continued use of the bi-propellant backup system will shorten the life of the Galaxy IV-R spacecraft. PanAmSat has advised us that, based on projected fuel consumption, there are more than three years of life left on the satellite. PAS is committed to continuing service from Galaxy IV-R's orbital position at 99 degrees West Longitude, and the company has already begun exploring various replacement solutions for the satellite as it approaches end of life. PAS is contractually committed to provide service to public radio until 2009, and NPR Distribution will continue to monitor developments closely.

While the situation with Galaxy IV-R's propulsion system is not expected to result in any type of service disruption, it's a good opportunity to remind you that NPR has a robust, multi-layered backup plan already in place to provide continuity of service in the case of a more disruptive satellite problem. NPR has negotiated extensive backup commitments with PAS that cover a wide range of failure scenarios and contingencies, none of which are affected by this apparent problem with the XIPS system. In addition, the recent Earth Terminal Refurbishment Project undertaken by NPR's Distribution Division has added a further layer of protection for the system by upgrading station antennas to be able to re-point to other positions in the orbital arc, if ever needed.

As always, NPR Distribution is committed to quality and continuity of its program delivery services, and we will keep the public radio system advised of any new developments. If you have any questions, please contact me at 202.513.2605 or via email.