 Shortly after launch, Intelsat III F-3 fired its apogee motor to achieve geostationary orbit.Intended to be operated over the Pacific Ocean at a longitude of 174° east, Intelsat III F-3 was moved to the less important Indian Ocean slot at 63° east after only three months in orbit due to concerns regarding its reliability.The satellite was only regarded as partially operable; however, it remained in service until April 1979, before being decommissioned in December of that year.