Communications Satellite Intelsat 33e Breaks Up In Geostationary Orbit
October 22nd, 2024Via: SpaceNews:
The Intelsat 33e satellite has broken up in geostationary orbit (GEO) and lost power, ceasing communications services for customers across Europe, Africa and parts of Asia Pacific.
…
In an Oct. 21 update, Intelsat declared the satellite a total loss. The company said it is working with government agencies to analyze data and observations, and has set up a Failure Review Board to investigate the anomaly’s cause.
…
The U.S. Space Force reported Oct. 19 that it was tracking around 20 pieces of debris associated with the spacecraft.
“U.S. Space Forces-Space (S4S) has confirmed the breakup of Intelsat 33E (#41748, 2016-053B) in GEO on October 19, 2024, at approximately 0430 UTC,” stated an alert posted on SpaceTrack, the U.S. Department of Defense’s space-tracking platform.
“Currently tracking around 20 associated pieces – analysis ongoing. S4S has observed no immediate threats and is continuing to conduct routine conjunction assessments to support the safety and sustainability of the space domain.”
Douglas Hendrix, CEO of ExoAnalytic Solutions, said the U.S.-based space-tracking company identified 57 pieces of debris Oct. 21 associated with the breakup.
“We are warning operators of any spacecraft that we think are at risk of collision,” Hendrix said via email.
Is this the beginning of something bigger? It feels about as organic as McDonald’s ecoli breakout.