In recent weeks, the breakup of the Intelsat 33e satellite has spotlighted a pressing issue in our increasingly congested orbit: space debris. As NASA estimates hundreds of millions of pieces of debris orbit Earth, the explosion of Intelsat 33e—manufactured by Boeing and launched in 2016—raises questions about our preparedness for a future where space junk could pose increased risks to operational satellites and other space missions.
On October 20, initial reports revealed that Intelsat 33e suffered a sudden and inexplicable power loss, prompting investigations into its operational status. Shortly thereafter, the US Space Force confirmed that the satellite had fragmented into at least 20 discernible pieces. Launched into geostationary orbit over the Indian Ocean at approximately 35,000 kilometers, Intelsat 33e played a vital role in providing broadband services across Europe, Central Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Unfortunately, it is not an isolated incident; a history of malfunctions and operational struggles plagued this satellite throughout its brief life in space.
The satellite was not insured at the time of its breakup, which leaves uncertainties about liability and financial repercussions for Intelsat. Compounding the mystery, there have been no conclusive findings regarding the specific cause of the fragmentation, lacing the incident with an aura of unpredictability common in satellite operations.
Intelsat 33e was not the first satellite to meet a violent end in orbit; accidental collisions, intentional destructions, and even solar activity have been some of the triggers behind satellite failures. The rise in the number of operational satellites has not only increased the potential for collisions but has also accelerated the generation of space debris. The European Space Agency (ESA) has estimated that over 40,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 cm currently orbit the Earth, alongside an alarming count of over 130 million pieces smaller than 1 cm. Collectively, the mass of human-made debris amounts to about 13,000 tons—equivalent to more than 90 adult male blue whales—raising substantial concerns about the long-term sustainability of our orbital environment.
Tracking this debris presents a major challenge, particularly for objects at higher altitudes. With an increasing number of uncontrolled breakups, including notable events in June and July, the risk of collision intensifies. The loss of Intelsat 33e has likely generated fragments too small to detect with current ground-based systems, pushing us closer to the ‘Kessler syndrome’ scenario, where the density of objects in low Earth orbit becomes high enough that collisions could lead to a cascading effect of further debris generation.
When satellites like Intelsat 33e fail, the question of accountability looms large. According to the Convention of International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, the nation responsible for launching the debris is held liable if fault can be established—yet accountability remains challenging in practice. The lack of a clear enforcement mechanism has led to a vague landscape where operators may escape repercussions for generating debris.
In 2023, a milestone was reached when the US Federal Communications Commission issued a fine concerning space debris, though it remains uncertain if Intelsat will face similar penalties following the breakup of Intelsat 33e. As the stakes increase with each failure, it is imperative to strengthen regulatory frameworks aimed at managing and mitigating mishaps in space.
The operational atmosphere surrounding satellites is growing dangerously congested, with a wider array of stakeholders launching more devices into orbit. Increased monitoring and improved tracking methodologies are crucial for navigating this landscape. Continued advancements in tracking technology can help not only to observe the existing debris but also to inform better strategies for de-orbiting.
Several initiatives underscore the importance of responsible end-of-mission practices. For example, ESA’s successful de-orbiting of its Cluster 2 “Salsa” satellite highlights a proactive approach to mitigating space debris. Future launches must incorporate similar frameworks that prioritize end-of-life disposal as part of their overall mission architecture.
The fragmentation of Intelsat 33e serves as a stern reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in our endeavor to exploit outer space. As satellite technology continues to advance, it is essential that we also advance our strategies for managing space debris. Improved accountability, regulatory frameworks, and responsible operational practices will be critical in fostering a safer, more sustainable environment in the orbital domain for generations to come.