Boeing-made Communications Satellite Disintegrates in Orbit

A communications satellite engineered and manufactured by aerospace firm Boeing has disintegrated in orbit.

Intelsat, the satellite’s operator, has reported a “total loss” of the iS-33e satellite, impacting customers across Europe, Africa, and certain areas of the Asia-Pacific region. The company has announced that it is undertaking “a comprehensive analysis” of the incident.

Boeing is currently grappling with several challenges, including a strike within its commercial aircraft division and ongoing problems with its Starliner spacecraft.

Intelsat stated, “We are coordinating with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies to analyse data and observations.” 

The US Department of Defense’s space-tracking platform, SpaceTrack, has confirmed the incident. An alert from the site noted that the US Space Forces are currently monitoring approximately 20 debris pieces related to the satellite.

In a separate development, two astronauts are stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) after their Boeing Starliner capsule, which transported them in June, was declared unfit for the return journey. They are scheduled to return to Earth next year on a spacecraft developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Additionally, Boeing is facing a strike involving over 30,000 workers at its commercial aircraft manufacturing division. Union members are set to vote on the company’s latest proposal on Wednesday, which includes a 35% pay increase over the next four years.

Last week, Boeing announced its intention to secure up to $35 billion (£27 billion) in new funding and revealed plans to lay off 17,000 employees, roughly 10% of its workforce, starting in November.

In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a charge of criminal fraud conspiracy and to pay at least $243.6 million after violating a deferred prosecution agreement from 2021. This agreement pertains to two 737 MAX aircraft that were lost in nearly identical accidents, resulting in the tragic loss of 346 lives more than five years ago.

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