Why Scientists Warn That Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellites Are Burning Up in Orbit

Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites are falling back to Earth, with some burning up in the atmosphere daily. Space trackers report that up to four satellites can deorbit each day. Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, notes that in 2025, he’s seeing one to two satellites deorbiting daily, a number that could increase as SpaceX expands its network.

Since its founding in 2002, SpaceX has played a significant role in the space industry, known for its reusable rockets and the Starlink satellite network. Musk, who owns about 42% of SpaceX, has seen a massive rise in his wealth thanks to the success of the company, estimated to be around $140 billion.

Social media has been buzzing with videos of these satellites burning up, raising concerns about potential danger to people on the ground. Right now, about 20,000 objects are tracked in low-Earth orbit, including 12,000 functioning satellites, with 8,500 belonging to Starlink.

Most Starlink satellites are designed to burn up completely during reentry. While the sight of fiery trails can look alarming, scientists say there’s little risk. The real concern is with other objects that might not have controlled reentry. Dr. McDowell warns that “every few months, a piece of space debris lands,” thereby posing a greater threat.

Unlike the managed reentry of Starlink satellites, defunct satellites and rocket stages might survive atmospheric entry and hit the ground instead. As the number of satellites increases, so does the risk of collisions and debris.

While Starlink’s reentering satellites aren’t directly dangerous, scientists are concerned about their potential impact on our atmosphere. Particles, like aluminum oxide released during burns, could alter the chemistry and temperature of the upper atmosphere. Early models indicate that the long-term effects might be more significant than thought.

Dr. McDowell emphasizes the need for ongoing research. If findings show that we are damaging the atmosphere, we’ll need to reconsider how we dispose of satellites. For now, watching the Starlink satellites burn up is more an eye-catching phenomenon than a safety issue, but conversations about their impact are just getting started.

For more insights, you can read about the challenges of space debris management in a NASA report.

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deorbit, Earth’s atmosphere, Elon Musk, Jonathan McDowell, satellites, Space debris, SpaceX, Starlink