A recent study reveals that the powerful solar storms in May 2024, which resulted in stunning auroras worldwide, caused numerous satellites to lose altitude, increasing the risk of collisions.
The research, published in the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, highlights the need for a better understanding of the impact of solar storms on satellite operations and the sustainability of their orbits.
The May solar storms were among the strongest in centuries, releasing a massive surge of charged particles from the Sun. These particles generated spectacular auroras, visible far beyond their typical northern and southern polar regions, reaching as far south as Ladakh in India and Alabama in the US.
However, the event also posed a significant threat to satellites. The influx of charged particles induced currents that disrupted satellite electronics, causing some to lose altitude and trigger automated collision avoidance systems to react en masse.
While no collisions were reported, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology warn that this scenario could have dire consequences, especially considering the rapid growth in commercial satellite constellations, many of which rely on automated systems for orbit maintenance.
Since 2003, the number of active satellites in space has increased eightfold, with most residing in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) â relatively close to Earth's surface.
The study found that thousands of satellites in LEO, primarily from SpaceX's Starlink constellation, adjusted their orbits to regain lost altitude following the May solar storms. While SpaceX claims its satellites remain healthy, the event underscores the vulnerability of satellite infrastructure to space weather.
The researchers emphasize the importance of transparency and communication between satellite operators to mitigate potential risks from future solar storms.
They also stress the need to reassess the robustness of current orbit assessment infrastructure in the face of such powerful space weather events.
The May 2024 solar storm serves as a stark reminder of the limitations imposed by the space environment on satellite activity in LEO. It is imperative that we better understand and prepare for these challenges to ensure the safety and sustainability of our growing space infrastructure.