Boeing Satellite Explodes in Orbit, Company Reports $6.17 Billion Third-Quarter Loss
October 24, 2024– A Boeing-built satellite, the Intelsat 33e (IS-33e), designed for international communications company Intelsat,exploded in orbit on October 19, according to reports from CBS News. The U.S. military confirmed the satellite’s disintegration on October 21, and is currently tracking the debris field.
The IS-33e, launched in 2016 and operational since 2017, provided communication services to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its prematureexplosion, after only seven years in operation, has raised concerns. Similar satellites are expected to have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, making the incident unexpected, according to space.com.
The satellite’s disintegration hasimpacted communication services for some users. Intelsat is working with third-party providers to minimize service disruptions and is actively communicating with affected customers.
The U.S. Space Force is currently tracking about 20 pieces of debris from the satellite, which have not posed a direct threat so far.Russia’s Roscosmos space agency has reported detecting over 80 fragments from the satellite. Analysis of the debris trajectory suggests the satellite’s destruction was instantaneous and high-energy.
The satellite explosion adds to a string of recent setbacks for Boeing. In January, a Boeing 737 Maxaircraft operated by Alaska Airlines experienced a partial fuselage rupture, injuring passengers. The incident led to the grounding of 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft across the U.S. In March, United Airlines experienced three incidents involving its Boeing aircraft within five days, including an engine fire, tire detachment, and arunway excursion.
In the space sector, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft experienced technical malfunctions after launching with two American astronauts, forcing them to remain at the International Space Station until next year. Furthermore, a strike by over 30,000 Boeing production line workers, which began in September, continues.
On October 23, Boeing announced a third-quarter loss of $6.17 billion (approximately 43.934 billion yuan), marking the company’s largest quarterly loss since 2020.
Boeing’s newly appointed CEO, Kelly Ortberg, announced plans to cutapproximately 10% of the company’s workforce. Addressing the ongoing strike, Ortberg emphasized the need to reach an agreement with the striking mechanics to restart operations at the factories, which have been shut down since September 13. He also stressed the importance of improved production quality and a more proactive approach to managingproject risks.
References:
- CBS News
- space.com
- Reuters
- The Wall Street Journal
- The New York Times
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