Elon Musk’s SpaceX has said up to 40 of its 49 Starlink satellites launched on February 3, 2022 will end up being destroyed following an intense geomagnetic storm.
- It further said the satellites will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, rather than entering low Earth orbit to join the 2,000-strong Starlink constellation. The 49 Starlink satellites were launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on February 3.
- SpaceX also said the satellites had an issue with atmospheric drag.
What is Geomagnetic Storm?
- A geomagnetic or solar storm is a major disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere – the area around Earth controlled by our planet’s magnetic field.
- It occurs when there is a very efficient exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding Earth.
- Earth’s magnetosphere is created by our magnetic field and protects us from most particles the sun emits.
What is atmospheric drag?
- Atmospheric drag hinders an object exiting the atmosphere as it pulls orbital objects back towards Earth.
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