A Boeing satellite operated by multinational service provider Intelsat unexpectedly broke into pieces over the weekend while in geostationary orbit. The satellite, known as IS-33e, suffered an “anomaly” that resulted in its destruction, leading to what Intelsat has called a “total loss.”
The accident caused widespread internet and communication blackouts across multiple countries. The nearly 15,000-pound satellite broke into more than 50 pieces on Monday.
Operated by international satellite services provider Intelsat, the satellite served customers in nearly 150 countries, making the disruption a significant setback for global communications. This incident marks another blow for Boeing’s aerospace division.
In a statement, Intelsat assured that “migration and service restoration plans are well underway across the Intelsat fleet and third-party satellites.” However, the exact cause of the satellite’s disintegration remains unknown.
The U.S. Space Force is currently tracking around 20 pieces of debris but reported “no immediate threats.” Meanwhile, U.S.-based space tracking company ExoAnalytic Solutions is tracking 57 pieces of debris associated with the incident.
This mysterious event underscores the inherent risks associated with aging satellites and the growing concern over space debris, which could potentially cause further collisions or lead to more significant space-related disasters.
Satellite’s History and Sudden Demise
Weighing 14,600 pounds and roughly the size of a minivan, IS-33e was manufactured by Boeing Space Systems and launched in 2016. The satellite was intended to provide broadband services, including internet and phone communications, to parts of Europe, Africa, and most of Asia.
IS-33e was the second satellite in Boeing’s “next generation” EpicNG platform. Its predecessor, IS-29e, also failed due to a propulsion system fuel leak, leading to its total loss in 2019. The failure was attributed to either a micrometeoroid strike or solar weather activity.
While the exact cause of IS-33e’s breakup remains unclear, officials had noted that the satellite was using more fuel than expected to maintain its orbit since its launch, reducing its expected 15-year lifespan by 3.5 years.
