Intelsat 33e (IS 33e) (original) (raw)

Intelsat 33e [Boeing BSS]

Intelsat S.A. ordered in May 2013 construction of the Intelsat 33e satellite (IS-33e) as the first of a new four satellite package.

IS-33e has a high throughput C- and Ku-band payload for Intelsat's Epic system.

The payload is powered by two solar wings, each with four panels of ultra triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells.

The satellite will be positioned at 60� East to replace Intelsat 904.

Intelsat 33e was successfully launched on 24 August 2016 together with Intelsat 36. The raise to geostationary orbit was delaysed, as the satellite suffered a malfunction of the primary thruster, which delays the entry into service until first quarter of 2017. The effect of the thruster malfunction on Intelsat 33e�s lifespan was minimal. In August 2017, another propulsion issue appeared, leading to larger-than-expected propellant usage to control the satellite attitude during the north/south station keeping maneuvers. This issue reduced the expected orbital life-time by about 3.5 years.

In October 2024, Intelsat-33e suffered a break-up event in geostationary orbit. About 20 pieces are being tracked. Intelsat considers this as an unrecoverable malfunction.