Intelsat-33e (IS-33e) at 60° East
Position: | 60° East |
Manufacturer: | Boeing |
Operator: | Intelsat |
Launch operator: | Arianespace |
Launch vehicle: | Ariane 5ECA |
Launch date: | 08/24/2016 |
Expected lifetime: | 12 Years |
Satellite operator Intelsat ordered the new Intelsat 33e (IS-33e) satellite in August 2013 with manufacturer Boeing Defense & Space. The satellite was designed for a lifespan of 15+ years and is based on the BSS-702MP platform.
The satellite carries C- and Ku-band High-Trough Put transponders 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. Intelsat-33e is positioned at 60° East to replace Intelsat 904.
Intelsat 33e satellite was successfully launched on in August 2016 together with Intelsat-36. The raise to geostationary orbit was delayed, 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 orbital life-time by about 3.5 years.
Intelsat-33e was launched on August 24th, 2016 in a dual launch with Intelsat-36 satellite on an Ariane 5ECA rocket booster operated by launch operator Arianespace from the Kourou Space Port launch site in French Guyana.