A recent NASA-backed study has shown that increased solar activity is resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of SpaceX's Starlink satellites de-orbiting and burning up in Earth’s atmosphere. The study, by space physicist Denny Oliveira of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre, examined 523 Starlink satellites that entered Earth between 2020 and 2024. As the Sun heads towards the climax of its 11-year cycle, solar storms, initiated by solar flares and coronal mass ejections, have become more powerful. These geomagnetic disturbances heat Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing it to expand. This results in greater atmospheric drag on low-Earth orbit satellites such as Starlink, making it more difficult for them to stay in orbit. “We clearly show that the intense solar activity of the current solar cycle has already had significant impacts on Starlink reentries,” Oliveira noted.

Currently, in the solar maximum of Solar Cycle 25, it’s proving to be stronger than originally forecast. This cycle, which marks the Sun's magnetic pole flip, has produced more frequent and intense solar storms than predicted by scientists. These storms are not only producing breathtaking auroras, but they are also putting space assets at risk. This increased drag means satellites need constant adjustments to avoid falling out of orbit prematurely. With more than 8,800 Starlink satellites launched and 7,600+ remaining operational, Elon Musk's SpaceX constellation is the largest low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. Although every satellite is designed to have a lifespan of less than five years, NASA's research indicates most are re-entering earlier due to space weather impacts. NASA scientists employed orbital measurements to monitor altitude decreases and speeds, contrasting trends with varying storm intensities. They discovered that re-entries predominantly corresponded with the increasing phase of Solar Cycle 25.

ALSO READ: ‘Shuks’ Set For Historic ISS Launch On June 10: How Subhanshu Shukla Trained With NASA, ESA & JAXA For His Space Mission

Impact On Astronomy & Space Safety

While Starlink is revolutionising internet access worldwide, particularly in remote locations the explosion in numbers has caused anxiety among scientists. Astronomers have reported growing interference with night-sky observations as a result of 'satellite light pollution'. Additionally, warnings of increasing danger from space debris are made by experts.

ALSO READ: Ice In Outer Space? NASA Reveals Frozen Water In Distant Star System | Here's All You Need To Know

As satellites crash back to Earth or collide with each other, space traffic management is even more urgent. The combination of record solar activity and a record number of satellites in orbit is transforming the nature of space operations. As the world increasingly depends on satellite services, the effect of solar storms serves as an alarm call for space agencies and private industry alike.