Solar storms are causing Elon Musk's satellites to fall back to Earth

Solar storms drive SpaceX's Starlink satellites to Earth, impacting satellite lifespan.

: New findings reveal solar storms decrease the longevity of SpaceX's Starlink satellites, expediting their reentry to Earth. Denny Oliveira and researchers noted that geomagnetic activity accelerates reentry during solar maximums, lasting 10-12 days. With over 7,500 satellites in orbit, increases in drag raise collision and debris risks. Future solar activity impacts must be understood as Earth’s orbit grows crowded.

Recent solar storms are posing serious challenges for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network. According to a NASA-led study, heightened solar activity during the current solar maximum has heated and expanded Earth’s upper atmosphere. This leads to increased atmospheric drag on low-Earth orbit satellites, causing them to lose altitude more rapidly and re-enter the atmosphere sooner than expected.

A recent analysis tracked 523 Starlink satellites that re-entered Earth’s atmosphere between 2020 and 2024, revealing a sharp increase in orbital decay during geomagnetic storm events. In extreme cases, some satellites re-entered just five days after launch, far earlier than their intended 15-day orbital decay window.

In May 2024, a powerful geomagnetic storm forced thousands of satellites—including many from Starlink—to adjust their orbits to avoid uncontrolled descent and potential collisions. This event was dubbed the “largest mass migration in space,” with over 5,000 satellites repositioning simultaneously.

The impact of these solar storms goes beyond shortened satellite lifespans. In the same month, Starlink reported “degraded service” due to intense geomagnetic activity, with satellites operating under heavy pressure from increased atmospheric density.

With over 7,600 Starlink satellites currently in orbit and thousands more planned, SpaceX faces a growing challenge in maintaining orbital stability and service quality. Experts warn that without appropriate mitigation strategies, ongoing solar storms could continue to disrupt global satellite infrastructure.

Sources: Gizmodo, Space.com, Reuters

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