Eutelsat 113 West A satellite has failed in orbit due to an undisclosed anomaly on 31 January 2024. The satellite was beyond its 15 year minimum design life and was no longer insured. The satellite which was soon to retire, was originally launched as Satmex-6 in May 2006. It has been reportedly left in a tumbling condition after its anomaly which may indicate that the spacecraft may be irrecoverable and thus will remain a hazard in geostationary orbit. Customers using the communications aboard have been diverted to other spacecraft in the Eutelsat fleet. The spacecraft was built by Space Systems Loral (now part of Maxar) using a version of its LS-1300 bus platform.
Artist’s impression of Eutelsat 113 West A (originally Satmex 6) Courtesy: SSL/Maxar
