Insurers salute the rescue of Palapa D

From left to right: PE Lys (Elsecor, insurer) gives the space rescue award to Guy Perez and Patrick Pigneul of Thales Alenia Space.
Credit: Thales Alenia Space

On 31 August 2009, telecommunications satellite Palapa D was launched on a lower orbit than planned when its Chinese launcher malfunctioned. Very quickly, the satellite's constructor, Europe's Thales Alenia Space, realised that it was possible to rectify the situation with a series of clever – and minutely calculated – orbital manoeuvres. At the end of October 2009, Palapa D reached its working position, much to the satisfaction of its owner, Indonesian company Indosat, and the satellite's insurers! The latter awarded Thales Alenia Space the space rescue award at the World Space Risk Forum held in Dubai from 1 to 3 March.

Thales Alenia Space press release

World Space Risk Forum

Enjoy Space Article: "Rescue in orbit"

Published 4 March 2010

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