SpaceX's Starlink communication satellites are being damaged by the sun.
Accelerated Re-Entry of Starlink Satellites During Solar Maximum
The deadly combination of the expansion of Earth's atmosphere and increasingly active solar activity is causing a significant decrease in the lifespan of Starlink satellites. According to NASA researchers, the solar maximum, a peak in the Sun's activity cycle, has accelerated atmospheric drag on Starlink satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), leading to earlier re-entries than expected[1].
The solar maximum causes more frequent and intense geomagnetic storms that increase atmospheric density at satellite altitudes, substantially increasing drag on satellites like those in the Starlink constellation[2][4]. This density increase can reduce the expected lifespan of Starlink satellites by up to 10 days during these periods[2][3][4].
Satellites orbiting below 300 kilometers experience the most profound impact, with some that would typically remain in orbit for 15 days re-entering in as few as 5 days during intense solar storms[2][3][4].
The consequences of this reduced lifespan amid an ever-increasing number of satellites in LEO are significant:
- Heightened Satellite Re-entries: Frequent re-entries due to accelerated decay lead to a higher turnover rate in satellite constellations, necessitating more frequent replacements and launches.
- Operational and Cost Challenges: The need for more frequent satellite replacements increases operational costs for satellite operators like SpaceX and may cause temporary service disruptions while replacements are deployed and tested[1].
- Space Traffic and Debris Management: A growing number of satellites and debris from deorbited or failed satellites raise concerns about congestion and collision risks in LEO, making space traffic management more complex.
- Impact on Mega-Constellations: This solar maximum is the first since the rapid growth of mega-constellations like Starlink, and these natural solar cycles are now directly influencing satellite mission planning, lifespan predictions, and space sustainability considerations[4].
In August 2021, a 2.5-kilogram fragment of a Starlink satellite was found on a farm in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, underscoring the risk of satellite debris reaching the Earth's surface when a satellite does not burn up completely during re-entry[5]. As the Starlink constellation expands, the frequency of satellite re-entries will increase, potentially posing a threat to Earth's inhabitants.
[1] https://aas.org/energy-2020-conference/solar-cycle-25-a-new-era-for-solar-physics[2] https://msp-gss.nasa.gov/[3] https://www.satellitejournal.com/[4] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/[5] https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-58269207
- The solar maximum, currently causing increased atmospheric drag on Starlink satellites, also impacts other areas of space-and-astronomy and technology, especially those related to science.
- The acceleration of Starlink satellites' re-entry during solar maximum may necessitate advancements in technology for managing the growing debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) and ensuring the safety of space-and-astronomy endeavors.
