Things you don't think about until the e-mail

Maintaining satellites in geostationary orbit so we can all enjoy the radio programming is only "easy" if everything goes right... It's made more difficult when we think of the thousands of little bits of debris flying around at over 22,000 miles per hour (small screws become devastating bullets). That reality was brought home to me with the memo I recently received from the Public Radio Satellite System--PRSS, the organization charged with keeping the programming flowing...

"Intelsat, the owner of the Galaxy 16 Satellite from which the PRSS transmits, has advised us that the potential exists for a service interruption later this month.

Galaxy 16’s sister satellite - Galaxy 15 - has been slowly drifting eastward since it stopped responding to earth station commands in early April. It is expected to enter or “fly-by” Galaxy 16’s orbital position on or about December 26. Intelsat has informed us that because Galaxy 15’s transmission system remains fully functional, there is a possibility that it could interfere with transmissions from Galaxy 16. However, Intelsat has further informed us that since losing control of Galaxy 15 the satellite has passed through the orbital positions of several other satellites without causing any service disruptions."

I read that as: "Houston, there might be a problem, but just keep carrying on, and you'll know if there is a real problem when your signal disappears; then you can panic."

So we'll wait to see if anything happens, but it gives me pause at the amazing chain delivering the national signal almost instantly to all affiliates. I thought you might appreciate the momentary feeling of awe too.

Oh, and Happy Holidays! May you avoid all potential catastrophic failure.