"Zombie" Satellite Resets Self, Comes Back to Life

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t sounds like something out of a bad B-movie but a "zombie" satellite that was thought to be dead recently powered back on. The Galaxy 15 communications satellite broke down in outer space earlier this year and reset itself this week. When it was down, it still transmitted signals as its communication center was not down, according to satellite operator Intelsat.

“We are now receiving telemetry from Galaxy 15’s Baseband Equipment (BBE) command unit and the satellite is accepting commands from the ground,” Intelsat posted in the FAQ section of its website.

The batteries to the satellite were charged as the unit is solar powered.

“Once initial diagnostic testing has been completed, we will attempt to capture earth lock and stop the drift of the satellite,” the company stated. “This phase could take as long as two weeks to complete.” For months, Intelsat operators were unable to control the rogue satellite and feared the signals it transmitted out would interfere with other satellites.

“After we complete the initial diagnostic tests on Galaxy 15 and the drift of the satellite stopped, we expect to relocate the satellite to an Intelsat orbital location where we will assess the viability of the payload, and conduct extensive in-orbit testing to determine the functionality of every aspect of the spacecraft,” the company added on its FAQ page.

If Intelsat decides that Galaxy 15 is fully recovered and viable for use, the unit could operate until 2020.