And can it affect our communication and security?…
SpaceX plans to de-orbit 100 first-generation Starlink satellites. What is the reason for this decision? The company claims that they noticed a certain "manufacturing defect", which over time can lead to a complete failure of the devices.
The satellites will gradually descend and enter the dense layers of the atmosphere, where they will completely burn up during aerodynamic braking. SpaceX assured that the risk to people on the Ground is minimal – friction will completely destroy the vehicles before reaching the surface.
This should not affect Starlink subscribers in any way, as there will still be more than 5,400 operational satellites in orbit. The company stressed that it also acts out of concern for long-term space security. In recent years, the size of the network has grown dramatically, which has raised concerns about possible collisions with other objects or debris falling to the Ground.
At the same time, SpaceX claims that they initially designed Starlink with such risks in mind. Each satellite is equipped with an autonomous collision avoidance system and ion thrusters for maneuvering. Even if the engines fail, atmospheric friction will cause a gradual decline and burn over 5 years or less.
The process will take about 6 months and will follow a pre-planned trajectory while maintaining maneuverability. The company previously got rid of 406 devices, including due to equipment failures. "Of these, 17 are currently unable to maneuver and are in passive orbital descent. But their movement is carefully monitored to minimize the risk of collisions with working satellites, " the official statement said. – "As for the remaining 95% of objects, they have already left orbit."
SpaceX plans to de-orbit 100 first-generation Starlink satellites. What is the reason for this decision? The company claims that they noticed a certain "manufacturing defect", which over time can lead to a complete failure of the devices.
The satellites will gradually descend and enter the dense layers of the atmosphere, where they will completely burn up during aerodynamic braking. SpaceX assured that the risk to people on the Ground is minimal – friction will completely destroy the vehicles before reaching the surface.
This should not affect Starlink subscribers in any way, as there will still be more than 5,400 operational satellites in orbit. The company stressed that it also acts out of concern for long-term space security. In recent years, the size of the network has grown dramatically, which has raised concerns about possible collisions with other objects or debris falling to the Ground.
At the same time, SpaceX claims that they initially designed Starlink with such risks in mind. Each satellite is equipped with an autonomous collision avoidance system and ion thrusters for maneuvering. Even if the engines fail, atmospheric friction will cause a gradual decline and burn over 5 years or less.
The process will take about 6 months and will follow a pre-planned trajectory while maintaining maneuverability. The company previously got rid of 406 devices, including due to equipment failures. "Of these, 17 are currently unable to maneuver and are in passive orbital descent. But their movement is carefully monitored to minimize the risk of collisions with working satellites, " the official statement said. – "As for the remaining 95% of objects, they have already left orbit."
