Starlink’s Solar Gamble

SpaceX is moving thousands of Starlink satellites closer to Earth, reducing collision risks but increasing their exposure to solar-driven atmospheric drag. According to SpaceX’s orbital plans, existing Starlink satellites are being lowered to 450–490 km (280–305 miles), while next-generation V3 spacecraft will operate as low as 330 km (205 miles). The advantage: failed satellites and debris fall back to Earth much faster, rather than remaining in orbit for years. But there’s a catch. At these altitudes, satellites encounter Earth’s thin upper atmosphere. Solar activity heats and expands that atmosphere, increasing drag, accelerating orbital decay and forcing satellites to burn more...