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SpaceX Starlink Faces Surge in Satellite Losses Amid Solar Activity

11/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Since 2019, SpaceX's Starlink program has logged over 500 unplanned atmospheric reentries.
The reentries stem largely from increased solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections that heat and expand the upper atmosphere.
As a result, low-Earth orbit satellites experience greater orbital drag.
The satellites typically disintegrate before reaching Earth's surface, but the increased drag can lead to more frequent orbital losses.

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Story summary

Since 2019, SpaceX's Starlink program has logged over 500 unplanned atmospheric reentries.
The reentries stem largely from increased solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections that heat and expand the upper atmosphere.
As a result, low-Earth orbit satellites experience greater orbital drag.
The satellites typically disintegrate before reaching Earth's surface, but the increased drag can lead to more frequent orbital losses.