According to a statement from Lockheed Martin, Telkom-1 has developed problems with its south solar array motors during in-orbit testing. Both the primary and the back-up motor, which are needed to manoeuvre the arrays in order to track the sun, aren't working properly according to Lockheed Martin. The north solar array is not affected.
The problem is not thought to be a generic problem with the drive motors. Instead, there seems to have been an error made during the assembly of Telkom-1.
According to the satellite operator, the satellite is fully operational despite the problem. The solar arrays can be properly aligned and, if needed, were able to generate the maximum amount of electrical power as designed.
During operation there have been occasional stoppages of the south solar array which could be overcome by using a high-torque mode of the array motor. During 2002, there has been only one such event, and the panel freed itself without any intervention from ground control.