Boeing Satellite Explodes in Space, Raising Threat Concerns

After a malfunction involving the plane’s door plug, Boeing’s communications satellite exploded in orbit, resulting in a “total loss” of the device. The satellite, used to serve customers across Africa, Europe, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region, was completely destroyed.

The satellite’s operator, Intelsat, revealed that their IS-33e satellite became non-operational on Monday, October 21, following an “anomaly” that occurred on Saturday, October 19.

“The anomaly previously disclosed on October 19 has resulted in the total loss of the Intelsat 33e satellite,” Intelsat stated. The company is now working with Boeing, the satellite’s manufacturer, and government agencies to investigate the cause.

The explosion has turned the satellite into at least 20 pieces of space debris, which are being tracked by the U.S. Space Forces. The federal agency confirmed that there are no immediate threats from the debris.

Launched in August 2016 and brought into service by January 2017, the IS-33e satellite was expected to have a 15-year lifespan. However, the Boeing-built satellite had faced issues from the start. Shortly after launch, the satellite encountered problems with its primary thruster, and further testing revealed issues with its secondary propulsion system, reducing its operational life by 3.5 years.

This is not the first time Intelsat has experienced trouble with Boeing satellites. In 2019, the company lost another satellite, IS-29e, though experts were unable to determine whether the failure was due to wiring issues or a collision with a meteorite.

Boeing has faced significant scrutiny recently, not only because of problems with its satellites but also due to issues with its 737 MAX jets, its failed Starliner mission, and now the door plug malfunction.