The Sun is currently at the peak of its 25th solar cycle, displaying increased solar activity that is affecting satellites in low-Earth orbit, particularly those belonging to SpaceX’s Starlink fleet. A recent analysis conducted by a team of scientists led by space physicist Denny Oliveira of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has revealed a correlation between the Sun’s activity and the number of Starlink satellites falling back to Earth.
The 11-year solar cycle is characterized by fluctuations in the Sun’s activity, including sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections. As the Sun approaches its peak activity, the number of satellite falls increases, as observed between 2020 and 2024. This period has seen a significant impact on Starlink reentries due to intense solar activity.
The increase in solar activity has led to the heating of Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing an increase in drag on spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, of which 7,669 remain operational out of the 8,873 launched, provide a unique opportunity to study the effects of solar maximum on satellites in orbit.
The researchers analyzed Starlink orbital data to study the impacts of solar storms on satellite reentries. The results indicated that the majority of reentries occurred during weak geomagnetic conditions, as the cumulative effect of drag over the solar cycle’s rising period caused subtle degradation of satellite orbits. Satellites falling during strong geomagnetic conditions experienced faster reentries compared to those falling in weaker conditions.
The findings of the study have implications for improving orbital drag models during geomagnetic storms, particularly extreme events. By utilizing short-cadence Starlink data, such as precise orbit determination and drag coefficient, strategies can be developed to mitigate orbital decay induced by solar activity and prevent collisions between satellites.
The research paper has been accepted for publication in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Science and is available on arXiv. The study sheds light on the impact of solar activity on satellite reentries and provides valuable insights for future satellite operations in low-Earth orbit. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, there is no shortage of groundbreaking technologies that are transforming the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us.
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