Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
In February 2022, a peculiar fiery trail observed in various parts of the world sparked speculation of a meteor shower. However, subsequent analysis unveiled a surprising revelation.
Contrary to initial assumptions, the fiery streaks were not meteors but satellites, specifically a cluster of 38 Starlink satellites that were launched by SpaceX.
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, collaborated with NASA and Predictive Sciences Inc. to investigate the space weather conditions contributing to the satellites' downfall.
Satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) play crucial roles in various domains, including telecommunications, navigation, and Earth observations. However, their vulnerability to space weather remains a recent concern.
The loss of the Starlink satellites was not attributed to a single cause but rather a combination of factors, including prevailing space weather conditions, insertion into a high-density LEO, and enhanced drag due to satellite orientation changes.
The study underscores the intricate relationship between space weather and satellite operations, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of these phenomena to mitigate risks and ensure satellite system reliability.
As human reliance on satellite technology continues to escalate, addressing the challenges posed by space weather becomes increasingly imperative.
The collaborative research sheds light on the circumstances leading to the loss of SpaceX satellites in 2022, underscoring the significance of ongoing scientific endeavours to safeguard satellite systems against space weather-related risks.