Satellite failure stops state’s lottery ticket sales

Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2004 | 9:46 a.m.

OMAHA, Neb. -- The Powerball jackpot has climbed to $127 million. But some Nebraska lottery players can't buy a ticket.

According to Nebraska Lottery, communication between the Nebraska Lottery and retailers was interrupted early Sunday morning after a communications satellite failed.

"We regret the inconvenience to our retailers and customers," acting Lottery Director Jim Haynes said in a news release Sunday. "This is an example of circumstances beyond anyone's control, and every effort is being made to resolve the situation as quickly as possible."

According to the state lottery, the satellite in question, called the IA-7 satellite, began to fail shortly after 2 a.m CST. The satellite was launched in July 1999.

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