What happens when you mix intense solar activity with a swarm of satellites orbiting Earth? We see firsthand that the sun is incredibly powerful. Since SpaceX launched its Starlink program in 2019, over 500 satellites have returned to Earth unexpectedly.
But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean Starlink is doomed if it expands. These satellites don’t crash to the ground like heavy stones. Instead, they burn up in the atmosphere before reaching the surface. However, high solar activity creates serious drag, affecting many satellites in low-Earth orbit.
Currently, the sun is in its 25th solar cycle, which happens every 11 years. It’s a period where the sun’s magnetic poles reverse. Researchers, including physicist Denny Oliveira, say we’re nearing the peak of this cycle, known as solar maximum. During this time, solar flares and coronal mass ejections send charged particles streaming toward Earth, heating and expanding the upper atmosphere.
This unexpected intensity of the current solar cycle isn’t just theoretical; it has caused real issues for SpaceX. With nearly 8,900 Starlink satellites launched since 2019, and about 1,200 no longer operating, many were lost due to these solar activities. The frequency of satellites in orbit during such active solar times is unprecedented.
SpaceX, however, has a plan. Most of the satellites that fall out of orbit do so intentionally. As new satellites are launched, older ones are retired to keep the network updated and efficient. The company expects its dishes to last about five years, and they are built to disintegrate rather than crash to Earth. This is good news for safety but also a reminder of the challenges of space operations.
It’s fascinating to see how technology and nature interact. Although SpaceX has developed advanced technology, it ultimately has to respect the forces of nature like the sun and gravity. As we continue pushing boundaries in space, understanding these forces becomes even more crucial.
For more updates, check out recent studies on solar activity from NASA [NASA Solar Cycle Information](https://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/SolarMax.shtml) or explore how companies deal with space debris.
