The Sun is entering one of its most active phases in over a decade, and it is already having serious effects on satellites orbiting Earth. Elon Musk’s Starlink network, which currently operates thousands of satellites to provide global internet coverage, is facing new challenges as solar activity increases. Scientists are raising concerns that these solar storms could shorten the life of satellites and even cause some of them to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere sooner than expected.
Why Solar Activity Matters
The Sun goes through natural cycles of activity roughly every 11 years. During periods of high activity, known as the solar maximum, the Sun produces more flares, solar winds, and coronal mass ejections. These events send charged particles and bursts of energy toward Earth.
When these solar particles reach our planet, they don’t just create beautiful auroras. They also heat and expand the upper layers of the atmosphere. This expansion increases atmospheric drag on satellites, especially those in low Earth orbit (LEO) like Starlink. As a result, the satellites slow down and gradually lose altitude, forcing them to re-enter the atmosphere earlier than planned.
Starlink’s Growing Vulnerability
Starlink satellites orbit at an altitude of about 550 kilometers. This lower orbit is useful for providing fast internet service with reduced signal delay. However, it also makes them more exposed to changes in Earth’s atmosphere caused by solar storms.
In 2022, SpaceX lost around 40 newly launched Starlink satellites after a strong geomagnetic storm increased atmospheric drag, sending them spiraling back toward Earth within days. While most of the satellites burned up harmlessly in the atmosphere, the event highlighted how vulnerable large satellite constellations are to solar activity.
With the Sun now ramping up toward its solar maximum, expected around 2025, experts say similar incidents could become more common.
What Scientists Are Warning
Recent studies have tracked hundreds of Starlink satellites and found that their orbits decay much faster during periods of increased solar activity. Some satellites that should have stayed in orbit for years ended up falling back to Earth within weeks.
Scientists are worried about several things:
Satellite Lifespan – Shorter operational life means companies like SpaceX must launch replacements more often, raising costs.
Space Debris – While most Starlink satellites burn up completely on reentry, the sheer number of reentries could pose risks if even small fragments survive.
Collision Risks – Unpredictable orbital decay makes it harder to avoid collisions with other satellites.
Environmental Concerns – Researchers are still studying the impact of burning up thousands of satellites in the atmosphere.
What SpaceX Is Doing
SpaceX has already taken steps to reduce risks. The company designed Starlink satellites to naturally deorbit and burn up safely if they fail. They also use thrusters to adjust orbits and fight against increased drag during solar storms. However, as solar activity intensifies, the challenge will only grow.
Elon Musk himself has acknowledged the problem, calling it “one of the toughest tests” for the Starlink network.
The Bigger Picture
Starlink is not the only satellite system at risk. Any satellite in low Earth orbit, including weather, communication, and research satellites, will face the same issues during solar maximum. With thousands of satellites already in space and more planned by different companies, the risks are multiplying.
The Sun’s natural cycles are a powerful reminder of how connected we are to space weather. For Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites, solar storms are not just a technical challenge but a real threat that could affect global internet coverage. Scientists are urging satellite operators to prepare for more frequent disruptions as the solar maximum approaches.
If Starlink and other satellite companies can adapt to these challenges, they may continue to expand global connectivity. But one thing is clear the Sun, with all its power, is reminding us that even advanced technology must bow to nature’s forces.