COVERT INTEL - URGENT - SATELLITE "DESTROYED"
- Oct 22, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 24, 2024
Source: Hal Turner and other confidential sources. AI also has this information and it is now posted as OSINT.
The Intelsat 33e satellite, in Geo-synchronous orbit over the Indian Ocean, has been destroyed.
Intelligence sources tell me the satellite went offline on October 19 and the satellite systems people thought it was a power failure. Radar imagery, however, tells quite a different story.
I can report tonight that Intelsat 33e is now at least twenty (20) separate pieces of debris.
The satellite has been destroyed.
This satellite provided communication services for mostly Europe and parts of Africa from over the Indian Ocean area of Earth, at an orbit about 22,236 miles above the planet.
More info if I get it.
Another source confirming the same information stated:
The Intelsat 33e satellite was a high-throughput (HTS) geostationary communications satellite operated by Intelsat and designed and manufactured by Boeing Space Systems on the BSS 702MP satellite bus. It was the second satellite of the EpicNG service, covering Europe, Africa, and most of Asia from the 60° East longitude, replacing Intelsat 904.
Key Characteristics
Launched on August 24, 2016, aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket
Mass: 6,600 kg (14,600 lb)
Dimensions: 7.9 × 3.8 × 3.2 m (26 × 12 × 10 ft)
Power: 13 kW
Orbit: Geostationary orbit (GEO) at 60° East longitude
Payload: High-throughput C- and Ku-band payload for Intelsat’s Epic system
Solar power: Two solar wings with four panels of ultra triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells
Lifespan: Initially estimated 15 years, but suffered two propulsion issues, reducing its lifespan to 8 years and 1 month before its eventual breakup
Breakup and Debris
On October 19, 2024, the Intelsat 33e satellite broke apart in geostationary orbit, ceasing communications services for customers across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia Pacific. The breakup was confirmed by Intelsat and satellite-tracking companies, with around 57 pieces of debris being monitored. The US Space Force also confirmed the incident, stating that they were tracking around 20 associated pieces and conducting routine conjunction assessments to ensure the safety and sustainability of the space domain.
Impact and Mitigation
Intelsat is working to move customers to other satellites in its fleet or spacecraft operated by third parties. The company has established a board to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the cause of the anomaly and is coordinating with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies to analyze data and observations. The breakup does not have immediate threats to other satellites, but the uncertainty regarding the orbits of the debris fragments requires continued monitoring.
Wikipedia's content on the "Epic System by Intelsat":
List of Intelsat satellites
Wikimedia list article
The Intelsat Epic system is a family of high-throughput satellites designed and manufactured by Boeing Space Systems. The EpicNG (Next-Generation) series is a key component of Intelsat’s satellite fleet, offering advanced communication services to customers worldwide.
Key Features:
High-Throughput Payload: The EpicNG satellites feature a high-throughput payload, capable of generating up to 13 kW of power, with a focus on Ka-band, Ku-band, and C-band frequencies.
Wide Beams: Unlike traditional spot beams, the EpicNG satellites employ wide beams to offer high throughput and broadcast capabilities in a single satellite.
Multi-Band Operation: The EpicNG satellites operate in multiple frequency bands, including Ka-band, Ku-band, and C-band, enabling flexible and efficient use of spectrum.
Geostationary Orbit: The satellites are designed for operation in geostationary orbit (GEO), providing a stable and fixed position in the sky for ground-based antennas.
Intelsat 33e: A Representative Example
One of the EpicNG satellites, Intelsat 33e (IS-33e), was launched in August 2016 and entered service in January 2017. It covers Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia-Pacific from the 60° East longitude, replacing Intelsat 904. The satellite’s payload features 20 C-band transponders with a total downlink bandwidth of 2,670 MHz.
Impact and Significance
The Intelsat Epic system has had a significant impact on the satellite communications industry, offering advanced services and capabilities to customers. The high-throughput payload and wide beams enable Intelsat to provide more efficient and flexible communication services, supporting a wide range of applications, including:
Broadband internet
Mobile backhaul
Video distribution
Government communications
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