←back to thread

Intelsat 33e breaks up in geostationary orbit

(spacenews.com)
157 points milgrim | 5 comments | 21 Oct 24 14:09 UTC | HN request time: 1.133s | source
Show context
ThrowawayTestr ◴[21 Oct 24 14:38 UTC] No.41904665[source]▶
How does a satellite break up in orbit? Was it struck by something?
replies(11): >>41904744 #>>41904758 #>>41904760 #>>41904768 #>>41904869 #>>41904890 #>>41904894 #>>41904902 #>>41905343 #>>41906446 #>>41906890 #
1. worstspotgain ◴[21 Oct 24 14:57 UTC] No.41904902[source]▶
An accidental strike is unlikely. Either a massive malfunction, or maybe ASAT [1]. ASAT is always going to be a possibility from now on simply because the target might prefer to deny getting hit.

[1] https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2024-03/news/us-warns-new-ru...

replies(1): >>41905110 #
2. panzagl ◴[21 Oct 24 15:17 UTC] No.41905110[source]▶
I think we'd know if the Russians detonated a nuke in orbit.
replies(1): >>41905354 #
3. worstspotgain ◴[21 Oct 24 15:42 UTC] No.41905354[source]▶
That's not the only kind of weapon.
replies(1): >>41906305 #
4. panzagl ◴[21 Oct 24 17:28 UTC] No.41906305{3}[source]▶
So you're saying an untraceable ASAT attack is more likely than a micrometeor impact?
replies(1): >>41908622 #
5. worstspotgain ◴[21 Oct 24 21:20 UTC] No.41908622{4}[source]▶
Lots of real estate between "might prefer to deny it" and "untraceable." On HN at least, you should assume the best possible interpretation instead of putting words into mouths.

And yes, malfunction is the most likely cause, distantly followed by attack. Micrometeoroid isn't very likely IMO, considering Intelsat-29e failed similarly. Unless maybe if they painted a red target on it and the meteor god has a sense of humor.