In a shocking incident, a Boeing-built communications satellite, Intelsat 33e, has disintegrated in space, leaving behind a trail of debris and raising concerns about the reliability of space technology. The satellite, launched in 2016, stopped functioning due to an "anomaly" before being declared a "total loss" by its operator, Intelsat.

The US Space Force is currently tracking 20 pieces of debris from the satellite, with satellite-tracking company ExoAnalytic Solutions monitoring 57 pieces. The incident is a blow to Boeing, which is already facing challenges with its Starliner mission and a criminal fraud charge over 737 Max plane crashes.

This incident highlights the risks and challenges involved in space technology, particularly for companies like Boeing that are heavily invested in the industry. The failure of Intelsat 33e, which was designed to provide communications across Europe, Asia, and Africa, also raises concerns about the impact on global communication networks.