The communications satellite, designed and built by Boeing, crashed shortly after launch. Satellite operator Intelsat confirmed the “total loss” of the iS-33e missile, affecting customers in Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific.
Intelsat also said it had taken steps to conduct a “comprehensive analysis” of the incident.
In order to analyze the data and observations, we coordinate with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies
Intelsat announced.
The US Department of Defense's SpaceTrack website also confirmed the incident. According to the warning posted on the platform, the US Space Force also said that it is “currently tracking about 20 pieces” of the satellite, NASA said. BBC.
Unlucky Boeing
Regardless, two astronauts remain stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) after the Boeing Starliner capsule they arrived on in June proved unfit to return. According to plans, they will return to Earth next year on a spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX.
The company has been facing a strike since September, affecting more than 30,000 workers at its commercial aircraft factory. Boeing said last week that it would begin laying off 17,000 workers starting in November.
In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit fraud and pay at least $243.6 million after breaching a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement. The agreement was reached in connection with two 737-MAX planes that lost their lives in identical crashes. It almost claimed the lives of 346 people over five years ago.
