In a concerning development for the aerospace industry, a Boeing-manufactured satellite operated by Intelsat has unexpectedly broken apart in geostationary orbit, scattering debris and raising questions about space safety.
The incident occurred over the weekend when the Intelsat 33e satellite experienced what the company termed an "anomaly." This event resulted in the complete destruction of the satellite, with debris now being tracked by multiple organizations.
The U.S. Space Force reports monitoring approximately 20 pieces of debris, while space-tracking firm ExoAnalytic Solutions claims to be following 57 fragments. This discrepancy in numbers highlights the challenge of accurately tracking small objects in space.
Intelsat confirmed the satellite's demise in a statement, declaring it a "total loss." The company is now working on plans to restore services to affected customers across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia-Pacific using other satellites in its fleet and third-party resources.
The cause of the satellite's breakup remains unknown. Intelsat has convened a Failure Review Board in collaboration with Boeing and government agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly.
This is not the first time Intelsat has lost a Boeing-built satellite. In 2019, another satellite, Intelsat 29e, was destroyed in a similar incident, possibly due to a meteorite strike or a wiring issue.
The Intelsat 33e satellite, launched in 2016, was part of Boeing's "next generation" EpicNG platform. Weighing 14,600 pounds and roughly the size of a minivan, it provided broadband services including internet and phone communications.
Interestingly, the satellite had been consuming more fuel than expected to maintain its orbit since its launch, which had already reduced its projected 15-year lifespan by 3.5 years.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by satellites in orbit and the potential risks posed by space debris. As the number of satellites in orbit continues to grow, the aerospace industry faces increasing challenges in ensuring the safety and longevity of these crucial assets.