Humans are gradually posing a new threat to low Earth orbit. Space companies continuously send spacecraft and satellites into this orbit, which are constantly orbiting. Thousands of satellites orbit here, transmitting vital information to Earth. These satellites are sent by various companies, one of the largest being Starlink. Starlink is constantly expanding its satellite network. But this is creating a new problem: an increasing number of Starlink satellites are falling back to Earth every day.
According to a new report, Starlink satellites are falling back to Earth almost daily, raising concerns among scientists about a potential chain reaction of space debris that could threaten the safety of low Earth orbit. According to data tracked by Smithsonian astronomer Jonathan McDowell, approximately one to two Starlink satellites currently re-enter Earth's atmosphere every day. If this trend continues, the number of satellites falling back could increase to five per day in the coming years, as more constellations from SpaceX, Amazon's Project Kuiper, and Chinese systems enter Earth's orbit.
Each Starlink satellite has a lifespan of approximately five to seven years. This means that older units regularly de-orbit or fall due to system failures or solar activity.
The Growing Threat of Kessler Syndrome
Experts have repeatedly warned about this. It has been said that the increasing number of defunct satellites, rocket fragments, and other debris is pushing Earth towards Kessler Syndrome. Kessler Syndrome is a condition in which collisions between objects create more debris, leading to a chain of impacts. If such a situation arises, parts of space will become unusable for future satellites and could hamper ground-based astronomy.
SpaceX's Starlink network has clearly revolutionized global connectivity, but its rapid expansion is further exacerbating growing congestion in low orbit. Tens of thousands of satellites are expected to launch over the next few years. But scientists warn that space traffic and debris management will soon become a major challenge of this decade.
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