China’s Satellite Safety Under Threat Amid Intelsat 33e Debris Spread After Explosion
25th Oct 2024Hundreds of global weather, navigation and communications satellites, including Chinese spacecraft, in geostationary orbit may face new challenges in orbit as Intelsat 33e debris risks intensify following a recent incident.
Intelsat 33e Debris Threatens Global Satellites
The Boeing-built satellite, launched in 2016, experienced a major malfunction and broke apart on 19 October, scattering debris in geostationary orbit (GEO). As of now, approximately 57 fragments from Intelsat 33e have been catalogued, heightening concerns about potential collisions with neighbouring satellites operated by various countries, including China.
This incident, which marks another in a series of satellite breakups this year, has added urgency to calls for improved space debris management and more rigorous tracking systems. The U.S. Space Force and space-tracking entities are monitoring the fragments and coordinating to ensure the safety of other spacecraft. As the number of active satellites continues to rise, the risk of incidents like this may increase, putting international space assets, including China’s satellites, at risk.
This event underscores the importance of collaboration on space debris mitigation and the development of robust orbital tracking systems to maintain safe, sustainable space activities.
Thank you for your comment! It will be visible on the site after moderation.