A satellite manufactured by Boeing disintegrated in space.
The IS-33e had an estimated lifespan of 15 years.
A communications satellite manufactured by Boeing has experienced disintegration in space. This incident involves the Intelsat 33e satellite, which ceased operations due to an "anomaly" and was declared a "total loss" last Monday. Intelsat has reported that it is working with Boeing and various government agencies to analyze the situation and the data collected related to the event. Additionally, the company has formed a board to conduct a thorough analysis of the causes of the anomaly.
This event occurs at a delicate time for Boeing, which has recently faced issues with its Starliner mission and a criminal charge related to the accidents of the 737 Max aircraft.
The United States Space Command has also confirmed the disintegration of Intelsat 33e, stating that it occurred on October 19, 2024, at approximately 0430 UTC. Currently, around 20 fragments associated with this event are being tracked, although the satellite tracking company ExoAnalytic Solutions reports a total of 57 pieces of debris. Despite the situation, no immediate threats have been detected, and routine assessments continue to ensure the safety and sustainability of space.
The Intelsat 33e satellite was launched in 2016 with the goal of providing communication services to Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, it faced propulsion issues shortly after its launch, delaying its arrival at the intended orbit. In 2017, a new propulsion problem reduced its estimated 15-year lifespan by 3.5 years. A previous Boeing satellite, Intelsat 29e, was declared a "total loss" in 2019, only three years after its launch.
