February 2013 Asteroid Update

11 February 2013

NASA observers indicate that an asteroid is expected to come within 17,000 miles of the Earth’s surface by Feb. 15. As with any space-based event, Intelsat is monitoring the situation closely. However, we do not believe that there is any immediate threat to our satellites, based on the asteroid’s current trajectory.

The expected path of the 2012-DA-14 asteroid is south to north, passing through the equatorial plane at 17,000 miles from Earth. Our satellites are stationed at 22,236 miles above Earth on the equatorial plan, therefore, we don’t see this being a threat to our satellites.

Intelsat will continue to work closely with the Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris and other outside space organizations to ensure we are fully aware of the asteroid’s progress in the next week, and will provide updates if warranted.