The communication satellite's complete failure has impacted Intelsat customers globally. Getty Images
A Boeing-built communications satellite has disintegrated in orbit, marking a significant loss for the aerospace company already facing multiple challenges. The satellite, known as iS-33e and operated by Intelsat, was confirmed to be a “total loss,” impacting customers across Europe, Africa, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region. In response to the incident, Intelsat has initiated a thorough analysis to understand what went wrong.
Boeing, a major player in the aerospace industry, has been under scrutiny for various reasons. The company is grappling with a strike involving over 30,000 workers in its commercial airplane division, as well as ongoing issues related to its Starliner spacecraft, which have put additional pressure on its operations.
In a statement, Intelsat said, “We are coordinating with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies to analyze data and observations.” Boeing chose not to comment directly on the satellite incident, instead directing inquiries to Intelsat’s announcements. The U.S. Department of Defense's space-tracking platform, SpaceTrack, confirmed the disintegration and noted that approximately 20 fragments of the satellite are currently being monitored by the U.S. Space Forces.
This incident occurs at a particularly turbulent time for Boeing. In addition to the satellite failure, two astronauts are currently stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) because the Boeing Starliner capsule they arrived in was deemed unfit for the return journey. These astronauts are now scheduled to return to Earth on a SpaceX spacecraft next year, further highlighting Boeing's ongoing struggles in the space sector.
The challenges for Boeing do not stop there. The ongoing strike has brought production to a halt, and union members are set to vote on the company’s latest proposal. The new offer includes a notable 35% pay increase spread over the next four years, a move that aims to resolve the labour dispute but reflects the company’s precarious situation.
Adding to Boeing's difficulties, the company recently announced it is seeking up to $35 billion in new funding and plans to lay off about 17,000 employees, representing roughly 10% of its workforce, beginning in November. This decision comes on the heels of a July announcement where Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge. As part of this agreement, the company is set to pay at least $243.6 million for violating a deferred prosecution deal related to two tragic accidents involving the 737 MAX aircraft, which resulted in the loss of 346 lives more than five years ago.
