A communications satellite crafted by the troubled aerospace company Boeing has disintegrated while in orbit.
Intelsat, the satellite operator, has announced the “total loss” of iS-33e, which will impact customers across Europe, Africa, and certain areas of the Asia-Pacific region.
Intelsat has announced that it is in the process of finalizing a thorough examination of the incident.
Boeing is currently grappling with significant challenges, including a strike affecting its commercial aircraft division and ongoing problems with its Starliner spacecraft.
Intelsat announced that it is collaborating with Boeing, the satellite manufacturer, and various government agencies to assess data and observations.
Boeing refrained from providing direct commentary on the incident, instead directing BBC News to the statements issued by Intelsat.
The incident has been confirmed by SpaceTrack, the space-tracking website operated by the US Department of Defense.
An announcement from the platform indicated that the US Space Forces are actively monitoring approximately 20 related fragments of the satellite.
In a developing situation, two astronauts find themselves stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) after it was determined that the Boeing Starliner capsule they arrived in June is unfit for the return journey.
They are scheduled to return to Earth aboard a spacecraft developed by SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk, next year.
Since last month, Boeing has been facing a strike that has impacted over 30,000 workers at its commercial aircraft manufacturing facility.
On Wednesday, union members will cast their votes regarding the company’s most recent proposal.
A recent proposal outlines a 35% salary increase to be implemented over the next four years.
In a significant development, Boeing revealed last week its intention to secure as much as $35 billion (£27 billion) in fresh funding. The company announced plans to initiate layoffs affecting 17,000 employees, representing approximately 10% of its workforce, beginning in November.
In July, Boeing reached an agreement to plead guilty to a charge of criminal fraud conspiracy, committing to pay a minimum of $243.6 million following a violation of a deferred prosecution agreement established in 2021.
The agreement pertains to two 737-MAX aircraft that were involved in nearly identical accidents, resulting in the tragic loss of 346 lives over five years ago.
