Boeing Satellite Unexpectedly Disintegrates in Orbit, Intelsat Reports Total Loss
A Boeing-manufactured satellite owned by Intelsat has unexpectedly broken apart in geostationary orbit, raising concerns about space debris and satellite longevity. Intelsat reported an “anomaly” that led to the destruction of the IS-33e satellite, resulting in what the company described as a “total loss.”
The US Space Force is currently tracking approximately 20 pieces of debris from the incident, while ExoAnalytic Solutions, a private space tracking company, has identified 57 pieces. The cause of the breakup remains unknown, highlighting the unpredictable nature of satellite operations and the potential risks posed by space debris.
Intelsat is now working to restore services using other satellites within its fleet and third-party satellites to minimize disruption to customers. The incident underscores the limited lifespan of satellites and the challenges faced by operators in maintaining reliable space-based services.
The IS-33e satellite, weighing 14,600 pounds and comparable in size to a minivan, was designed and built by Boeing Space Systems. Launched in 2016, it provided broadband services to Europe, Africa, and most of Asia as part of Boeing’s EpicNG platform.
This is not the first setback for the EpicNG platform. An earlier satellite in the series, IS-29e, failed in 2019 due to a fuel leak. While the exact cause of IS-33e’s breakup is still uncertain, it was noted to consume more fuel than expected shortly after launch, reducing its operational lifespan by 3.5 years from the intended 15 years.
As investigations into the incident continue, the satellite industry faces renewed questions about the reliability and longevity of space-based assets, as well as the growing challenge of managing space debris in increasingly congested orbits.