Intelsat's satellite, Intelsat 33e (IS-33e), recently disintegrated in space, releasing a significant amount of debris. The company is collaborating with satellite manufacturer Boeing and relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the disintegration.
Launched in August 2016 and operational by January 2017, the Boeing-designed satellite was intended to provide communication services to users in Europe, Africa, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region. It had an expected lifespan of 15 years.
According to an announcement on Intelsat's website, the IS-33e experienced an anomaly that interrupted its services, and it was deemed "completely lost" shortly after. Intelsat is coordinating with Boeing and U.S. government agencies to analyze observational data. The company has communicated with affected clients and partners, transferring disrupted services to other satellites it operates or those operated by third parties.
Reports indicate that the satellite was highly valuable. Intelsat had previously sought an insurance claim of $78 million for technical issues related to the satellite, although it was no longer insured at the time of disintegration.
The U.S. Space Force confirmed the satellite's breakup occurred in geostationary orbit, producing about 20 traceable debris pieces, none of which currently pose a direct threat. Russian space experts have noted over 80 debris fragments that could endanger other satellites in geostationary orbit. Analysis suggests the disintegration was a sudden event, with some reports describing it as an "explosion."
Notably, another satellite in the same series, IS-29e, manufactured by Boeing, was decommissioned in 2019 after just three years in orbit.
