Important TV satellite destroyed – how could this happen?

An important Intelsat communications satellite breaks up in space. Was it the sun, heated fuel or space debris? Many questions are open.

The sudden disappearance of an important satellite of the US operator Intelsat in space (DF reported) causes puzzlement. The main question is why the communications satellite that went into operation at the beginning of 2017 failed at an altitude of over 30,000 kilometers. The company said it had launched a “comprehensive analysis” to determine the cause.

“There are several reasons why a satellite can fail,” said the head of space safety at the European Space Agency Esa, Holger Krag, to the German Press Agency. In this case, there are indications that the Intelsat 33e (IS-33e) satellite broke apart. This could possibly have happened due to internal heating of fuel or the battery. An impact from microparticles, such as space debris, cannot be ruled out.

It is also possible that the satellite became charged due to increased solar radiation. But this is difficult to determine in retrospect, said Krag. The US Space Forces observation program – Space – confirmed on Platform X that the satellite had broken into around 20 pieces. Other sources spoke of at least 40 parts.

“Total loss” of Intelsat satellite after power outage

Intelsat reported the “total loss” of IS-33e on Monday. Shortly before, the Luxembourg-based company spoke of an “anomaly” that had caused the satellite to lose power and service for customers in Europe, Africa and parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

IS-33e was designed and manufactured by Boeing Space Systems, according to Intelsat. It was launched in August 2016 and became operational in January 2017. After launch, there had been problems with the propulsion system, which had led to a reduction in the satellite’s expected lifespan.

DIGITAL TELEVISION has compiled further details about IS-33e in this article.

SES wants to buy Intelsat

IS-33e is one of a new generation of very powerful satellites that are capable of covering both small areas of the Earth and large parts of the globe simultaneously. Geostationary satellites transmit voice, Internet and television to commercial customers, but also to governments and non-governmental organizations.

Intelsat moved its headquarters to Luxembourg after the end of 2010. The operational headquarters is in McLean, Virginia. At the end of April 2024, the Luxembourg satellite operator SES announced that it would take over Intelsat for $3.1 billion, subject to regulatory approvals. Completion is expected in the second half of 2025.

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Text: dpa / Editorial team: GD