This time, Boeing is having problems with one of its satellites. Major satellite service provider Intelsat said Monday that its Boeing-built Intelsat 33e satellite has detonated while in geostationary orbit. Debris from the satellite’s breakup has been dispersed throughout orbit, posing a risk of collisions and a domino effect of destruction.
Although space-monitoring company ExoAnalytic Solutions claims tracking 57 fragments, the U.S. Space Force reports that the explosion left behind more than 20 bits of debris. The situation is being handled as a complete loss, however the precise cause of the explosion is still unknown. An “anomaly” that caused service disruptions in Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific area was initially reported by Intelsat on Saturday. After more research, it was determined that the satellite could not be repaired, and regrettably, it lacked insurance.
According to a statement from Intelsat, a Failure Review Board has been formed to work with Boeing and government organizations to conduct a full analysis of the occurrence. In order to identify the source of the explosion, they are now analyzing data and observations. The business also stated that it has been proactively collaborating with impacted clients to execute plans for service restoration using its fleet of satellites and outside suppliers.
Intelsat has previously lost a satellite made by Boeing. Similar unexplained circumstances led to the destruction of the Intelsat 29e in 2019 either a wiring malfunction or a meteorite strike. The reliability of the 29e and 33e satellites has been called into question since their 2016 launches.
As multiple organizations continue to track the debris, the incident underscores the growing issue of space debris and the potential hazards it poses to other satellites and future space operations.