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Geomagnetic Storms Shorten Starlink Satellite Lifespans by Up to 10 Days

Experts warn that rising re-entry rates threaten orbital sustainability, with better space weather forecasting needed to safeguard satellite operations.

The report revealed that the sun has an 11-year cycle of activity, whose peak is known as the solar maximum.
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Overview

  • A NASA study led by Denny Oliveira shows solar maximum–driven geomagnetic storms boost atmospheric drag and cut Starlink satellite lifespans by as much as 10 days.
  • SpaceX now has over 7,000 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit, with 523 unplanned re-entries recorded between 2020 and 2024.
  • During a recent storm, 37 Starlink satellites re-entered within five days instead of the usual 15+ days for orbits below 300 kilometers.
  • Faster re-entries raise debris concerns after a 2.5 kilogram Starlink fragment was found on a Saskatchewan farm in August 2024.
  • Industry experts call for improved solar activity forecasting and more resilient satellite designs to manage debris risks and sustain the growing space economy.