La Space Force American is monitoring twenty pieces of what until a few days ago was a sophisticated communications satellite. TheIntelsat 33e shattered in orbit, adding a new chapter to the already troubled history of Boeing in space. A silent explosion that left entire regions of three continents without services. What exactly happened?
An anomaly with serious consequences
The news It came like a bolt from the blue when Intelsat confirmed the “total loss” of satellite 33e. This is not a simple malfunction: the satellite literally disintegrated in space, generating a cloud of orbital debris that the US Space Force is carefully monitoring.
The immediate impact was felt on three continents: Europe, Africa and different areas of theAsia-Pacific have suffered interruptions in communication services. The situation is serious, so much so that Intelsat has had to convene a commission of inquiry to analyze the causes of the anomaly.
The concern is not just about disrupted services: each new piece of debris in orbit represents a potential projectile traveling at very high speeds, capable of damaging other satellites or spacecraft.
The Saga Continues for Intelsat
This is not the first such incident for the company. The satellite Intelsat 29e had suffered a similar fate just three years after launch, due to a propulsion system problem that had caused a fuel leak.
The current 33e satellite had been launched in August 2016, six months after its ill-fated predecessor. The loss of two satellites of the same series in anomalous circumstances raises questions about their reliability.
We are in close contact with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies to analyze data and observations.
The broader problem of space debris
The issue goes beyond the single incident. Industry experts are increasingly concerned about the accumulation of space debris. There is a theory that an uncontrolled proliferation of this debris could make some orbits too dangerous to traverse.
La US Space Force said there were “no immediate threats” at this time, but he would continue to monitor the situation. Intelsat, meanwhile, is actively working to restore services using other satellites from its own fleet and from third parties.
For the future of satellite communications, it is becoming increasingly crucial to find solutions to prevent these accidents and safely manage the growing space traffic. For the future of Boeing, well… Things at the moment they are no good at all.