Solar activity destroyed three Curtin University satellites, impacting low Earth orbit operations.

The Sun's heightened activity has led to the premature destruction of three small satellites from Curtin University's Binar Space Program, which burned up in Earth's atmosphere after just two months. Increased solar activity raises charged particles and ionizing radiation, affecting satellite orbits and increasing atmospheric drag. This issue impacts operations of satellites in low Earth orbit, including the International Space Station and Starlink. The solar activity is expected to decrease by 2026 and reach a minimum in 2030.

November 12, 2024
5 Articles