Solar storms forcing early deaths of SpaceX Starlink satellites, says NASA

Solar storms speeding up Starlink satellite re-entries, NASA says. (SpaceX)

There's something strange happening in the skies above. What should take weeks is now wrapping up in days. Thousands of Starlink satellites are falling back to Earth faster than expected, and it’s all thanks to our ever-active Sun.

The Sun reached its 11-year peak in late 2024, known as the solar maximum. During this phase, it unleashes more intense solar storms than usual. These geomagnetic storms are now speeding up satellite re-entries, according to a new NASA-led study published by New Scientist.

Shorter lives for satellites in low orbit

NASA scientist Denny Oliveira, who led the research, said satellites return much quicker during these storms. “We found that when we have geomagnetic storms, satellites re-enter faster than expected [without solar activity],” he explained.

Normally, a Starlink satellite might stay in orbit for around 15 days after failing. But recent storm events have changed that. In one case, 37 satellites re-entered just five days after being launched. This marks a sharp drop in expected lifespan.

The issue is especially worrying for large networks like SpaceX’s Starlink. The company already has over 7,000 satellites orbiting Earth. It plans to launch over 30,000 more in the coming years. As this network grows, so does the number of falling satellites. NASA confirmed 523 Starlink satellites re-entered the atmosphere between 2020 and 2024.

“This is the first time we have seen so many satellites re-enter at the same time,” said Oliveira. “Soon, we’ll be seeing satellites re-entering every day.”

The silent risks beyond the sky

Falling satellites may help clear space by removing old or failed units. But faster re-entries also bring new worries. Space experts warn that not all parts burn completely. Some debris might survive the journey and reach lower layers of the atmosphere.

There’s also growing concern over atmospheric changes. Burning satellites release aluminium oxide, which could harm the upper atmosphere. Scientists worry this might slowly affect climate patterns.

The safety risks don’t stop there. With so many satellites in orbit, the chances of collisions are rising. One close call in 2019 forced the European Space Agency to move its satellite to avoid a Starlink craft.

Starlink satellites are also raising issues for stargazers. Their brightness interferes with space observations, making it hard for astronomers to get clear views. Both the International Astronomical Union and the American Astronomical Society have voiced concern.

As solar activity continues to rise, scientists and satellite operators are on alert. The Sun may be far away, but its effects are now being felt much closer to home.