40 SpaceX Satellites Hurtle Back To Earth In Solar Storm

A fleet of newly-launched SpaceX satellites has come hurtling back to Earth after being struck by a geomagnetic storm, with 40 of the 49 space capsules burning up upon re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

The company’s ground controllers attempted to save the satellites by placing them in “hibernation” and minimizing drag, though the solar storm had made the atmosphere too dense, rendering the spacecraft unable to climb into a more stable orbit higher up. 

“Preliminary analysis show[s] the increased drag at the low altitudes prevented the satellites from leaving safe mode to begin orbit-raising maneuvers,” SpaceX said in a statement. 

According to the Associated Press, the affected satellites were hit by the storm while in a temporary position. SpaceX typically deploys them in lower orbit on purpose, so that any failed spacecrafts can immediately re-enter Earth without posing a threat to others in orbit. 

Fortunately, there isn’t any risk of the danger from the falling satellites, as “no orbital debris is created and no satellite parts hit the ground” upon re-entry. 

Live Science noted that till now, SpaceX has successfully launched 2,000 satellites into orbit, with the company planning to add as many as 42,000 space capsules to its mega-constellation in the future. 

These spacecraft, part of the Starlink program, bring high-speed internet connection to customers worldwide, even those situated in rural areas where broadband isn’t typically available. 

In fact, the firm is currently in the works to restore internet connection in disaster-struck Tonga by way of Fiji.

[via Associated Press and Live Science, cover image via SpaceX]