The fragmentation of Boeing’s iS-33e communications satellite has disrupted broad areas in Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific, intensifying the company’s existing challenges.
At a Glance
- A Boeing-built communications satellite, iS-33e, operated by Intelsat, has broken up in orbit, resulting in a “total loss.”
- The incident has impacted customers in Europe, Africa, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
- Intelsat is conducting a comprehensive analysis of the incident in coordination with Boeing and government agencies.
- Boeing is currently facing multiple crises, including a strike at its commercial plane business and issues with its Starliner spacecraft.
Satellite Fragmentation Impacts Global Communications
Boeing’s iS-33e, a communications satellite operated by Intelsat, unexpectedly disintegrated in orbit, leading to substantial service interruptions across several continents. As reported by international outlets, the satellite’s breakdown has caused a “total loss” of connectivity, leaving customers in Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region grappling with internet problems.
Intelsat, in collaboration with Boeing and governmental authorities, is actively investigating the causes behind the satellite’s failure.
“We are coordinating with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies to analyze data and observations,” Intelsat reported. This collaboration aims to glean insights that could prevent such incidents in the future, safeguarding communications infrastructure across the globe.
Intelsat's IS-33e communications sat has undergone a breakup event in geostationary orbit, with US Space Force reporting 20 tracked (but not yet cataloged) debris objects. The sat was launched 2016 Aug 24 and is over the Indian Ocean at 60.1E; breakup was 0430 UTC Oct 19.
— Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) October 20, 2024
Compounded Challenges for Boeing
Beyond the satellite incident, Boeing is entangled in several high-profile crises affecting its commercial aircraft wing and space exploration efforts. The company is currently negotiating to resolve a strike involving over 30,000 workers. Although a vote on a new offer is anticipated, the disruption has added to the financial and operational stress that Boeing endures.
Boeing is also tackling setbacks with its Starliner spacecraft. Notably, two astronauts were also stranded at the International Space Station as a result of the failure.
Sudden loss of @Intelsat's IS-33e satellite forces fresh look at 2019 loss of IS-29e, also a Boeing 702MP model. Intelsat has five more in orbit. Big difference this time: @S4S_SDA has ID'd ~20 pieces of debris following IS-33e breakup. Space Force to warn other GEO operators. pic.twitter.com/VFozqI7AzB
— Peter B. de Selding (@pbdes) October 21, 2024
Governmental Oversight and Internal Strife
The US Department of Defense’s SpaceTrack website has confirmed that “around 20 pieces of debris” are being tracked in the wake of the satellite disintegration, US Space Forces noted. This debris poses additional risks, necessitating close monitoring to mitigate the threat of further collisions in space.
On the financial front, Boeing has announced intent to secure up to $35 billion in new funding and plans to lay off approximately 17,000 employees come November. These measures, coupled with the ongoing criminal charges related to past operational failures, underscore the scale of challenges affecting the aerospace giant’s capacity to innovate and maintain trust among stakeholders.
Things just keep getting worse for Boeing.
