the satellites had a design life of twelve years, with an orbital maneuver life of 15 years, which means that each satellite has been designed and fueled to maintain its assigned orbital position (within 0.1 degrees) for 15 years. after that point, the satellite must be decommissioned. the afristar satellite has developed a defect in its solar panels. as a result of this defect, the energy collected by those panels is less than intended.