Intelsat 33e breaks up in geostationary orbit

The Intelsat 33e satellite has broken up in geostationary orbit (GEO) and lost power, ceasing communications services for customers across Europe, Africa and parts of Asia Pacific.

Intelsat said in an Oct. 19 news release it was working with satellite maker Boeing to address an anomaly that emerged earlier that day, but added it was “unlikely that the satellite will be recoverable.”

In an Oct. 21 update, Intelsat declared the satellite a total loss. The company said it is working with government agencies to analyze data and observations, and has set up a Failure Review Board to investigate the anomaly’s cause.

An Intelsat spokesperson said the satellite was not insured at the time of the issue.

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