🌌 Space just got a bit more crowded! Over the weekend, Intelsat's Boeing-built satellite, Intelsat 33e, unexpectedly broke apart in orbit, causing a stir in the satellite community and affecting services across Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Intelsat reported that the satellite experienced an 'anomaly' on Saturday, leading to a loss of power and service for its customers. By Monday, the company confirmed the 'total loss' of the satellite. 😮
\"We are coordinating with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies to analyze data and observations,\" Intelsat said in a statement. A Failure Review Board has been set up to dive deep into what went wrong. 🔎
The U.S. Space Force (USSF) confirmed that Intelsat 33e has broken apart in geostationary orbit, and they are tracking around 20 pieces of debris. The good news? No immediate threats have been detected, and they are keeping an eye on things to ensure space safety. 🛰️
Meanwhile, Intelsat is hustling to restore services. They've got migration and service restoration plans in motion across their fleet and third-party satellites. So, hang tight—service is on its way back! 📶
Launched in August 2016 and starting service in January 2017, Intelsat 33e was designed and manufactured by Boeing Space Systems. It was a key player in providing communication services across multiple continents.
This unexpected event reminds us of the challenges of space exploration and technology. As the investigation unfolds, we'll keep you updated on any developments. Stay tuned, space enthusiasts! 🌠
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
