Boeing’s Troubles Continue as Communications Satellite Breaks Up in Orbit
In yet another setback for aerospace giant Boeing, a communications satellite designed and built by the company has broken up in orbit. The satellite, known as iS-33e, was operated by Intelsat and its loss has affected customers in Europe, Africa, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region.
Intelsat has confirmed the “total loss” of the satellite and has taken steps to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the incident. The company is working with Boeing and government agencies to gather data and observations related to the breakup.
This incident adds to Boeing’s recent challenges, including a strike at its commercial plane business and issues with its Starliner spacecraft. Two astronauts are currently stranded at the International Space Station after the Boeing Starliner capsule they arrived on was deemed unfit for the return flight. They are now scheduled to return to Earth on a spacecraft made by Elon Musk’s SpaceX next year.
Boeing has also been dealing with a strike involving over 30,000 workers at its commercial plane making operation. The company’s latest offer to union members includes a 35% pay rise over the next four years, with a vote scheduled for Wednesday.
In addition, Boeing recently announced it is seeking up to $35 billion in new funding and plans to lay off 17,000 employees, about 10% of its workforce, starting in November. The company also agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge and pay at least $243.6 million in relation to two 737-MAX planes that were lost in accidents costing 346 lives over five years ago.
With these ongoing challenges, Boeing faces a difficult road ahead as it works to address the fallout from the satellite breakup and other issues plaguing the company.
