Dozens of Starlink Satellites Hit By Geostorm, Expected to Fall Toward Earth

The satellites were launched last week and most are expected to burn up on re-entry.

Jeremy Kariuki

Wednesday, February 09, 2022 at 01:52 PM ET

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The satellites affected are not expected to reach the Earth's surface. [Illustration Courtesy: NASA

Key Takeaways:

Up to 40 recently launched SpaceX Starlink satellites are expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere due to a geomagnetic storm.
The geomagnetic storm significantly increased atmospheric drag, preventing the satellites from maintaining orbit.
The affected satellites are designed to burn up completely upon re-entry, posing no risk of collision with other satellites or debris reaching the ground.
SpaceX intentionally deploys satellites into lower orbits for rapid deorbiting in case of system failure, promoting space sustainability.

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Late Tuesday night, Elon Musk’s SpaceX reported that up to 40 of its Starlink satellites, launched last week, were hit by a geomagnetic storm and are expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere.

SpaceX launched 49 Starlink satellites on February 3, using a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The satellites reached their targeted orbit and achieved controlled flight.