Intelsat 33e Satellite Breaks Up in Orbit, Raising Concerns Over Space Debris

Sudden Breakdown

The Intelsat 33e, which provided broadband communication from its geostationary position approximately 35,000 km above the Indian Ocean, reportedly suffered a sudden power loss on October 20. Hours later, the U.S. Space Force confirmed that the satellite had fragmented into at least 20 pieces.

While the exact cause of the breakup remains unclear, it is not the first occurrence of its kind. Historical data shows that satellites can be destroyed through deliberate actions, accidental collisions, or increased solar activity. Intelsat 33e, manufactured by Boeing and launched in August 2016. It is based on the 702MP satellite bus and entered service in 2017 at 60 degrees East orbital position. It has a mixed C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band payload. 

This satellite had a troubled operational history, including propulsion issues that delayed its initial deployment and led to concerns about its longevity. The satellite is part of the Intelsat Epic high throughput satellite (HTS) series, which consists of IS-29e, IS-33e, and IS-32e all based on the same Boeing platform. 

Intelsat is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the satellite's failure. Although it faced challenges with fuel consumption and operational efficiency—prompting a $78 million insurance claim—Intelsat 33e was reportedly uninsured at the time of its breakup. A similar satellite, the Boeing-built EpicNG 702 MP, failed in 2019, raising further questions about the reliability of this satellite model.

Growing Threat of Space Debris

The breakup of Intelsat 33e adds to the already concerning volume of debris in Earth's orbit. The European Space Agency estimates there are over 40,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 cm, and more than 130 million smaller fragments. In total, human-made objects in orbit weigh approximately 13,000 tonnes—comparable to the mass of about 90 adult male blue whales—of which about one-third is space debris.

One alarming aspect of the Intelsat incident is that the breakup likely generated debris too small to be tracked by current monitoring systems, complicating efforts to ensure the safety of operational satellites. Recent months have seen multiple uncontrolled breakups, including incidents involving the RESURS-P1 and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites, creating hundreds of additional trackable fragments.

Accountability and Future Implications

The question of responsibility for space debris remains a complex issue. Under the 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, the launching country is typically held accountable if fault can be proven. However, enforcement remains a challenge, as evidenced by the first fine for space debris issued by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in 2023.

As more satellites are deployed, the risk of collisions and the creation of debris increases. To mitigate these risks, continuous monitoring and improved tracking technology are essential. The focus must also be on de-orbiting strategies for satellites at the end of their missions to minimize future debris creation.

Successful de-orbiting efforts, like that of the European Space Agency's Cluster 2 "Salsa" satellite, demonstrate that proactive measures can prevent additional debris.

As the human presence in space continues to grow, managing orbital debris will become increasingly critical. With the International Space Station's planned decommissioning in 2030, effective planning and responsible practices will be paramount to safeguarding Earth's orbital environment for future generations.

By Azhar