Space and Tech
Space Force Faces New Challenge: Tracking Debris from Intelsat 33e Breakdown
The fragmentation of the Intelsat 33e satellite raises concerns about space debris and safety, emphasizing the need for responsible space management and collaborative efforts to maintain a sustainable orbital environment. Space Force to monitor.
Last Updated on October 24, 2024 by Daily News Staff
In a notable development for the satellite industry, the recent fragmentation of the Intelsat 33e communication satellite has sparked significant concerns over space debris management. As this satellite, a vital link for communication services in Europe, Africa, and sections of the Asia-Pacific, met an untimely demise, the implications for space safety and sustainability have become increasingly urgent.
The Incident
Intelsat 33e suffered a crippling power loss due to an anomaly, rendering it inactive in its geostationary orbit. Efforts made by Intelsat, in collaboration with Boeing, the satellite’s manufacturer, have been futile, making the satellite irrecoverable. As a direct consequence, the U.S. Space Force is now tasked with managing and tracking 20 newly formed debris pieces—an endeavor crucial to preventing further orbital hazards.
The cause of Intelsat 33e’s failure is yet to be confirmed, but speculation suggests a propulsion system malfunction. This incident echoes a similar fate that befell Intelsat-29e in 2019, attributed to either a meteoroid strike or possible wiring issues. Such events highlight the unpredictable nature of space operations and the resultant challenges.
Risks and Implications
Geostationary orbit, where these incidents occurred, is particularly sensitive. With satellites positioned to maintain a fixed point relative to the Earth, any increase in debris could severely limit maneuverability and heighten collision risks. Each new debris field exacerbates the congestion in these critical orbital paths, increasing the threat to operational satellites and, by extension, to the services they provide to millions globally.
Moving Forward
In light of these challenges, the space community is called upon to fortify its commitment to space sustainability. Satellite operators must adopt strategies that prioritize the careful deployment and maintenance of satellites to avoid contributing to the burgeoning space debris problem. This incident underscores the fragility of space infrastructure and the necessity for methodical, responsible practices.
Maintaining space situational awareness is essential. Vigilant tracking and management of debris can mitigate collision risks, ensuring the safety and functionality of existing and future missions. Such measures not only protect the substantial investments in space infrastructure but also guarantee the continuity of vital services reliant on satellite communication.
Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Space Environment
Addressing the challenges posed by space debris requires a collective effort. Satellite operators, governments, and international organizations must collaborate to develop and implement solutions that enhance the resilience and sustainability of space operations. By sharing data, adopting standardized practices, and investing in technologies for debris monitoring and removal, stakeholders can work towards a safer, more sustainable orbital environment.
The breakup of Intelsat 33e serves as a stark reminder of the complexities within space exploration and the need for proactive measures. Only through collective vigilance and innovation can we hope to protect the orbital space environment, ensuring that it remains a viable domain for technological advancement and discovery for generations to come.
Related article:
Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/satellite-orbiting-earth-broken-intelsat-lost-1972438
Space News: https://spacenews.com/intelsat-33e-loses-power-in-geostationary-orbit/
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Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Valerie Thomas is a true pioneer in the world of science and technology. A NASA engineer and physicist, she is best known for inventing the illusion transmitter, a groundbreaking device that creates 3D images using concave mirrors. This invention laid the foundation for modern 3D imaging and virtual reality technologies.
Beyond her inventions, Thomas broke barriers as an African American woman in STEM, mentoring countless young scientists and advocating for diversity in science and engineering. Her work at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center helped advance satellite technology and data visualization, making her contributions both innovative and enduring.
In our latest short video, we highlight Valerie Thomas’ remarkable journey—from her early passion for science to her groundbreaking work at NASA. Watch and be inspired by a true STEM pioneer whose legacy continues to shape the future of space and technology.
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From life-saving inventions and cultural breakthroughs to game-changing ideas buried by bias, our series digs up the truth behind the minds that mattered.
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Beneath the Waves: The Global Push to Build Undersea Railways
Undersea railways are transforming transportation, turning oceans from barriers into gateways. Proven by tunnels like the Channel and Seikan, these innovations offer cleaner, reliable connections for passengers and freight. Ongoing projects in China and Europe, alongside future proposals, signal a new era of global mobility beneath the waves.
For most of modern history, oceans have acted as natural barriers—dividing nations, slowing trade, and shaping how cities grow. But beneath the waves, a quiet transportation revolution is underway. Infrastructure once limited by geography is now being reimagined through undersea railways.
Undersea rail tunnels—like the Channel Tunnel and Japan’s Seikan Tunnel—proved decades ago that trains could reliably travel beneath the ocean floor. Today, new projects are expanding that vision even further.
Around the world, engineers and governments are investing in undersea railways—tunnels that allow high-speed trains to travel beneath oceans and seas. Once considered science fiction, these projects are now operational, under construction, or actively being planned.
Undersea Rail Is Already a Reality
Japan’s Seikan Tunnel and the Channel Tunnel between the United Kingdom and France proved decades ago that undersea railways are not only possible, but reliable. These tunnels carry passengers and freight beneath the sea every day, reshaping regional connectivity.
Undersea railways are cleaner than short-haul flights, more resilient than bridges, and capable of lasting more than a century. As climate pressures and congestion increase, rail beneath the sea is emerging as a practical solution for future mobility.
What’s Being Built Right Now
China is currently constructing the Jintang Undersea Railway Tunnel as part of the Ningbo–Zhoushan high-speed rail line, while Europe’s Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link will soon connect Denmark and Germany beneath the Baltic Sea. These projects highlight how transportation and technology are converging to solve modern mobility challenges.
The Mega-Projects Still on the Drawing Board
Looking ahead, proposals such as the Helsinki–Tallinn Tunnel and the long-studied Strait of Gibraltar rail tunnel could reshape global affairs by linking regions—and even continents—once separated by water.
Why Undersea Rail Matters
The future of transportation may not rise above the ocean—but run quietly beneath it.
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Space and Tech
Blue Origin Launches First Human Spaceflight of 2026 with New Shepard NS-38
Blue Origin successfully completed its first human spaceflight of 2026 with New Shepard NS-38, carrying six private astronauts and marking 98 humans flown to space.
Blue Origin has officially kicked off its 2026 flight calendar, successfully completing the 38th mission of its New Shepard program and further solidifying its role in commercial human spaceflight.
The suborbital flight, known as NS-38, carried six private astronauts beyond the Kármán line, offering several minutes of weightlessness and sweeping views of Earth before a safe return to West Texas. The mission marks the first New Shepard launch of 2026 and another milestone for Blue Origin’s reusable spaceflight system.
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The NS-38 Crew
The six-person crew aboard NS-38 included:
- Tim Drexler
- Dr. Linda Edwards
- Alain Fernandez
- Alberto Gutiérrez
- Jim Hendren
- Dr. Laura Stiles
With this flight, New Shepard has now flown 98 humans into space, representing 92 individual passengers. The growing total reflects Blue Origin’s emphasis on routine, repeatable access to space—once considered experimental, now becoming operational.
A Reliable Start to 2026
Blue Origin leadership emphasized reliability and customer trust as central priorities moving into the new year.
“As we enter 2026, we’re focused on continuing to deliver transformational experiences for our customers through the proven capability and reliability of New Shepard,” said Phil Joyce, Senior Vice President of New Shepard. “We are grateful for our astronaut customers who put their trust in our team to bring this experience into reality.”
The fully reusable New Shepard rocket and capsule system has demonstrated strong safety performance, autonomous operations, and consistent recovery—key elements in scaling human spaceflight.
Building Toward a Larger Vision
Beyond space tourism, New Shepard plays a foundational role in Blue Origin’s long-term goal of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.
As the company’s first operational human spaceflight system, New Shepard supports:
- Reusable launch vehicle testing
- Human-rated safety system validation
- Increased launch cadence and manufacturing expertise
- Future Blue Origin programs and missions
Each successful flight expands operational confidence while helping normalize commercial access to space.
What’s Next for Aspiring Astronauts
Blue Origin continues to accept interest from future New Shepard passengers, with additional flights expected throughout 2026. The company also released commemorative merchandise from the NS-38 mission, now available through the Blue Origin Shop.
As commercial spaceflight matures, missions like NS-38 highlight the industry’s shift from novelty to normalcy—bringing space closer to scientists, explorers, and private citizens alike.
Related Articles & Information
- Blue Origin – New Shepard Program Overview
Official overview of Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket and human spaceflight system. - Blue Origin – Human Spaceflight Missions
Details on past and upcoming crewed New Shepard missions. - NASA: Humans in Space
NASA’s overview of human spaceflight history and current programs. - Commercial Spaceflight: How Private Companies Are Changing Access to Space
STM Daily News coverage of the growing space tourism and commercial launch industry. - Reusable Rockets Explained: Why They Matter
An explainer on reusable rocket technology and its impact on space exploration.
For more updates, insights, and in-depth coverage of space exploration and commercial spaceflight, visit the STM Daily News blog at stmdailynews.com. From mission breakdowns to industry trends and technology explainers, STM Daily News keeps you informed about humanity’s journey beyond Earth.
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