Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A Boeing-manufactured communications satellite, Intelsat 33e (IS-33e), has reportedly explode on Monday, October 21, 2024, cutting off internet and communication services across multiple regions worldwide. Intelsat confirmed that the satellite was destroyed in geostationary orbit, but the cause of the explosion remains unclear.
In a statement, Intelsat said it is actively working with Boeing, the satellite’s manufacturer, and various government agencies to analyze data and conduct observations on the incident. “We are coordinating with Boeing and government agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of the anomaly’s cause,” Intelsat noted on Friday, October 25, as reported by IFL Science.
The loss of IS-33e has affected internet and communication services across Europe, Africa, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region. Intelsat, which serves nearly 150 countries, provides essential connectivity services to a wide range of global customers.
Timeline of the Explosion
The IS-33e satellite first showed signs of an anomaly on Saturday, October 19, and efforts were made to troubleshoot the issue in collaboration with Boeing. However, by Monday, the U.S. Space Force confirmed the Boeing satellite explode, scattering about 20 pieces of debris into space. According to the Space Force, the debris does not currently pose a direct threat.
Meanwhile, Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, reported detecting over 80 fragments from the satellite, noting that the explosion occurred suddenly, releasing significant energy.
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A Satellite with a Troubled History
Launched in August 2016 and operational by January 2017, IS-33e was intended to provide advanced communication services across three continents. Yet, technical issues plagued the satellite from the start. It faced an initial delay in entering service due to a problem with its main thruster. Additional propulsion failures later reduced its expected lifespan from 15 years to about 11.5 years, as reported by the New York Post on October 22.
IS-33e is the second satellite in Intelsat’s EpicNG series, promoted by Boeing as a “next-generation” platform. However, the first satellite in this series also encountered significant issues. In April 2019, Intelsat declared it inoperable following system failures attributed to micrometeoroid impact and solar activity.
The incident underscores the growing challenges faced by satellite operators and manufacturers as demand for global connectivity increases.
(Raidi/Agung)
