A Intelsat 33e Satellite Built by Boeing Just Collapsed in Space – Meanwhile Boeing Reports Q3 Loss

Boeing’s Intelsat 33e satellite exploded in orbit, leaving behind about 20 pieces of debris. Intelsat 33e, also known as IS-33e, was reported to be out of service on 19 October, leaving customers across Europe, Africa, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region with communications losses. 

What happened to Intelsat 33e satellite made by Boeing

On October 21, U.S. Space Forces-Space officially confirmed the breakup of Intelsat 33E, adding that the debris pose “no immediate threats” and that Space Forces-Space “continuing to conduct routine conjunction assessments to support the safety and sustainability of the space domain.”

“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 an announcement of the satellite loss.

It’s not yet clear was caused the loss of the Boeing satellite. However, The Conversation notes that Intelsat 33e had a series of technical issues in the past, including problems with its propulsion. Another satellite of the same model, Intelsat IS-29e, also failed in 2019.

Intelsat 33e was launched in August 2016 with an estimated lifespan of 15 years, but a year later it was found to be consuming more fuel than expected, reducing its lifespan to less than 10 years. 

Hard times for Boeing

The loss of Intelsat 33e was another blow to Boeing, which has faced numerous problems in the aerospace industry in recent years.

Almost at the same time as the reports about Intelsat 33e arise, the company reported Q3 loss of $6.2 billion.

It will take time to return Boeing to its former legacy but with the right focus and culture, we can be an iconic company & aerospace leader once again,” Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg said.

The most recent scandal is related to Starliner mission. The Boeing Starliner has faced multiple technical issues, including a failed uncrewed test flight in 2019 due to software errors, and later concerns over its parachute system and wiring. After the launch in June 2024, the spacecraft exrienced various issues. As the result, Boeing’s Starliner capsule returned to Earth without astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Suni Williams, who appeared to be stuck on the ISS.

ALso, Boeing experienced manufacturing problems and multiple federal investigations following a mid-air Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft blowout in January.