100 Starlink Satellites Will Fall to Earth Due to Flaw - Is It Really Dangerous?

SpaceX has announced its decision to deorbit 100 first-generation Starlink satellites due to a potential defect that could eventually lead to a complete loss of control over them. While the satellites continue to function, the company has opted to remove them from orbit to mitigate the risk of losing control in the event of equipment failure.

The nature of the defect was not specified by the company. SpaceX stated in its announcement that the "Starlink team identified a common issue in this small group of satellites that could increase the likelihood of failure in the future." SpaceX also claimed that the loss of these 100 satellites would not impact the quality of services for Starlink customers, as the overall network consists of over 5400 operational satellites.

Additionally, SpaceX emphasized that the deactivation of the satellites poses no threat to the population, as they will burn up in the dense layers of the atmosphere upon descent. "Starlink satellites are also entirely suitable for decommissioning by design, meaning the risk to those on the ground, in the air, or at sea from a deorbiting satellite is effectively zero, as the satellites burn up during atmospheric re-entry," as stated in SpaceX's announcement.

The company also asserted that the Starlink network is designed to minimize risks in space. All satellites are equipped with a "collision avoidance autonomous system" and ion thrusters, allowing them to maneuver in Earth's orbit. According to estimates, approximately five years into their operation, Starlink satellites will be deorbited and burn up in the atmosphere, even if they lose the ability to maneuver.