With about 100 first-generation Starlink satellites at risk of failure due to what it calls a “common problem,” Elon Musk’s company SpaceX’s satellite network recently announced it would crash them in a controlled manner.
In the coming weeks and months, the associated maneuverable satellites will be sent out of their previous orbit and slowly towards Earth, where they will burn up in the atmosphere. In most cases, this maneuver will take about six months, SpaceX recently announced in a detailed statement.
“Proactive space clearance”
The satellites could independently avoid collisions with other satellites. This measure is “a proactive cleaning of space,” SpaceX emphasizes. Because satellites that cannot maneuver are practically space junk and this must be reduced as much as possible.
Starlink also explained that it had previously disabled 406 other satellites out of the nearly 6,000 satellites launched so far. Of these, 17 are no longer manoeuvrable, but they are being closely monitored to reduce the risk of collisions with other satellites. The rest were sent out of orbit and burned in a controlled manner in the atmosphere, it is said.
SpaceX plans to deploy another 42,000 active Starlink satellites – which operate in low Earth orbit at an altitude of less than 600 kilometers – into space. Despite the technical problems, the operation of the satellite internet for users will not be affected, it is assured.
Data is transmitted in the microwave range
The Starlink satellites transmit data such as WiFi or mobile communications with wavelengths in the microwave range. The service is owned by space company SpaceX, run by tech billionaire Musk. The major advantage of Starlink is that access to the network is independent of the conventional telecommunications infrastructure.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
