An anomaly occurred on 24 November 1998 on the satellite, an HS 601 platform model. This anomaly is different from all the other problems experienced by other HS 601s and HP 601 HPs.
Notwithstanding, the problem is battery related. After an electric power anomaly had occurred, the satellite apparently lost its ability to recharge batteries. A Battery Charge Controller is no longer functioning, which means that the satellite is without a power backup during the eclipse periods that occur twice a year.
Reportedly, there had already been problems with the battery charger during in-orbit testing in February 1996.
After the loss of eclipse protection, the satellite was declared unusable for its planned mission. Insurance claims were paid, and the title of the satellite was passed to the insurers. Hughes Global Services acquired the satellite and developed procedures necessary to maintain full geostationary service operations except during eclipse itself and brief periods on either side of each eclipse event.
For a total of 88 days per year, the satellite has to be switched off for three hours per day on average. Overall availability of the spacecraft's transponders remains at 96 percent.
The satellite was renamed HGS 3, later Anatolia 1, and is currently known as Paksat 1.