Why SpaceX is deliberately destroying its next-generation Starlink satellites
A Starlink satellite entering the atmosphere // Created via Midjourney by Frandroid
SpaceX has ordered the destruction of newly launched next-generation Starlink satellites.
In February 2023, SpaceX launched 21 next-generation Starlink satellites into space aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. These satellites, which are about twice as heavy (about 790 kg), should be able to offer four times the first generation data rate .
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SpaceX is deploying a new generation of Starlink satellites, what will change for users
They will also allow satellite communication via smartphones, as well as other mobile devices, but also vehicles (such as cars). However, not everything goes as planned.
NOT EVERYTHING GOES AS PLANNED
Experts quickly observed that the new “Starlink V2 Mini” models behaved unusually soon after their launch. Their altitude was wrong. SpaceX has just confirmed that some of the satellites will be deliberately destroyed.
As confirmed by Elon Musk, part of the 21 satellites will therefore be destroyed. According to the co-founder of SpaceX, they use " a lot of new technologies ", so SpaceX expected that difficulties could arise. These satellites will therefore be destroyed when they enter the Earth's atmosphere. The others will continue to be " extensively tested " and then carefully moved to higher orbit.
Although destroying these satellites is costly, SpaceX cannot afford to take risks by leaving defective satellites in orbit. This could cause considerable damage to the space environment and to other orbiting satellites.
ONE OF THE MOST AMBITIOUS TECHNOLOGICAL PROJECTS OF THE DECADE
The development of SpaceX's Starlink constellation is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious initiatives of the decade. As a reminder, the project aims to provide faster and more reliable global Internet connectivity through tens of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit. 40,000 are planned, SpaceX has already launched more than 2,600 satellites. This fleet already represents more than a third of the approximately 6,000 artificial satellites in Earth orbit and two-thirds of American satellites.
However, the rapid development of Starlink brings a lot of problems. The new technologies and advanced manufacturing processes required to build thousands of satellites at a rapid pace increase the risk of system failures and quality issues. However, the strong competitiveness in this area encourages SpaceX to take risks. The American company must work quickly to get ahead of its competitors. Obviously, the financial stakes are enormous for SpaceX and any mistake is extremely costly.
Despite these risks, SpaceX has no choice. Consumer expectations for Internet connectivity are growing and providers need to respond quickly to these demands. SpaceX wants to maintain its lead in the sector, while new players like Amazon come into play. Indeed, Amazon aims to compete with Starlink thanks to its project called Kuiper. It is far from being the only one, several constellation projects are being deployed.
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