In a significant development for the aerospace industry, the Intelsat 33e communications satellite, built by Boeing, has been declared a “total loss” after suffering an in-orbit anomaly on October 19, 2024. The satellite, which had been operational since 2016, malfunctioned unexpectedly, prompting a coordinated response from satellite operator Intelsat, Boeing, and the U.S. Space Force.
Intelsat reported the failure on Saturday, confirming that the 33e satellite ceased functioning due to an “anomaly.” Despite initial efforts to diagnose the problem, the satellite’s status was ultimately declared irrecoverable. “We are coordinating with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies to analyze data and observations. A Failure Review Board has been convened to complete a comprehensive analysis of the cause of the anomaly,” Intelsat said in a statement. The company also assured customers that efforts to migrate services and restore connectivity are underway, using alternative satellites from the Intelsat fleet and third-party providers.
The U.S. Space Force also confirmed the satellite’s breakup in a statement, noting that the disintegration was detected in geostationary orbit. “Currently tracking around 20 associated pieces – analysis ongoing,” the Space Force said, adding that no immediate threats have been observed from the debris.
However, ExoAnalytic Solutions, a satellite-tracking company, reported that it was monitoring as many as 57 pieces of debris. The exact cause of the breakup remains under investigation.
The Intelsat 33e satellite, launched in 2016, had been designed to provide communication services across Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, its journey was marred by issues from the start. Shortly after launch, it experienced a propulsion problem, which delayed its arrival in orbit. The satellite suffered a further setback in 2017, which reduced its expected 15-year lifespan by 3.5 years.
This latest incident follows the loss of another Boeing-built satellite, Intelsat 29e, in 2019. The 29e satellite was also declared a total loss after only three years in operation.
The failure of the Intelsat 33e adds to Boeing’s recent challenges, including setbacks in its Starliner mission and ongoing legal battles related to the 737 Max plane crashes. The company is currently facing a criminal fraud charge, further intensifying the scrutiny surrounding its aerospace programs.
The investigation into the Intelsat 33e anomaly is expected to shed more light on the technical failures involved, with the Failure Review Board’s findings anticipated in the coming months.
