An artist’s impression of a Starlink satellite in orbit
Eruptions from the sun are affecting the lifespan of satellites in Earth’s orbit, especially large constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink. This phenomenon, caused by increased solar activity during the sun’s 11-year cycle, can have both positive and negative implications for satellite operations.
During the solar maximum phase, which last occurred in late 2024, the sun experiences heightened activity, leading to more frequent eruptions that result in geomagnetic storms. These storms can heat up Earth’s atmosphere, causing it to expand and create more drag on satellites in orbit.
