Starlink aims to become the backbone of next-gen satellite internet services globally.
How Low-Earth Orbit Works
Starlink satellites operate in low-Earth orbit, typically under 550 kilometers (342 miles) above the Earth’s surface. This proximity allows for faster data transfer and lower latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites.
However, the trade-off is increased vulnerability to space weather. Geomagnetic storms caused by solar flares heat the Earth’s atmosphere, increasing drag on satellites and pulling them down prematurely.
During these events, satellites orbiting below 300 km have been found to burn up to 10 days earlier than expected.
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Space Weather’s Impact on Starlink Satellites
This phenomenon isn’t new to SpaceX. In February 2022, 49 newly launched Starlink satellites burned up over the Caribbean after being caught in a minor geomagnetic storm.
Most recently, in August 2024, a piece of a Starlink satellite was discovered on a farm in Canada—the first known case of Starlink debris reaching the ground.
