WebProNews

Category: SpaceRevolution

  • FCC to Boost Cellular/Satellite Communication Adoption

    FCC to Boost Cellular/Satellite Communication Adoption

    T-Mobile and SpaceX’s efforts to join cellular and satellite phone service are getting a bit of help from the FCC.

    The FCC has unveiled “a new regulatory framework to facilitate innovative collaborations between satellite operators and wireless companies.” The framework will help cellular operators better tap into the growing network of satellites being used for internet service.

    T-Mobile and SpaceX announced a deal for the nation’s second-largest carrier to use SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation to help provide coast-to-coast coverage in the US.

    “We’ve always thought differently about what it means to keep customers connected, and that’s why we’re working with the best to deliver coverage above and beyond anything customers have ever seen before,” said Mike Sievert, CEO and president of T-Mobile, said at the time of the announcement. “More than just a groundbreaking alliance, this represents two industry-shaking innovators challenging the old ways of doing things to create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors.”

    The FCC’s proposed framework would make it easier for T-Mobile, SpaceX, and other companies to integrate their services:

    The FCC proposes allowing authorized non-geostationary orbit satellite operators to apply to access terrestrial spectrum if certain prerequisites are met, including a lease from the terrestrial licensee within a specified geographic area. A satellite operator could then serve a wireless provider’s customers should they need connectivity in remote areas, for example in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert, Lake Michigan, the 100-Mile Wilderness, or the Uinta Mountains.

    “We are fast heading to a world where next-generation wireless networks will connect everyone and everything around us,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “They will open up possibilities for communications that we cannot even fully imagine today. But we will not be successful in our effort to make this always-on connectivity available to everyone, everywhere if we limit ourselves to using only one technology. We are going to need it all—fiber networks, licensed terrestrial wireless systems, next-generation unlicensed technology, and satellite broadband. But if we do this right, these networks will seamlessly interact in a way that is invisible to the user. We won’t need to think about what network, where, and what services are available. Connections will just work everywhere, all the time. “

  • FCC Deals Blow to Starlink, Approves Amazon’s Kuiper Satellite Plans

    FCC Deals Blow to Starlink, Approves Amazon’s Kuiper Satellite Plans

    The Federal Communications Commission has dealt a blow to Starlink, approving Amazon’s Kuiper satellite plans.

    Kuiper is the satellite internet constellation Amazon is deploying, in direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink. SpaceX wanted the FCC to limit the number of satellites Amazon could deploy.

    In an ex parte letter, SpaceX argues that the Commission should limit Kuiper to deploy only 578 satellites in its 630 kilometer orbital shell, and defer action regarding the remainder of the constellation.

    The FCC rejected SpaceX’s demands and accepted Amazon’s proposed “orbital debris mitigation plan,” clearing the way for the company to begin launching its satellites.

    Specifically, we grant Kuiper’s request for approval of its updated orbital debris mitigation plan, thereby satisfying a condition of our action in 2020 conditionally granting Kuiper’s request to deploy and operate its NGSO system. Our action will allow Kuiper to begin deployment of its constellation in order to bring high-speed broadband connectivity to customers around the world.

    In granting this modification, we have considered the issues raised by interested parties in the record. These issues include, but are not limited to, collision risk, post-mission disposal reliability, completion of satellite design, and orbital separation. To address these and other issues, we require Kuiper to comply with a series of conditions, as outlined below. We adopt requirements for Kuiper to report mitigation actions taken to avoid collisions in space and to coordinate and collaborate with NASA to ensure continued availability of launch windows and on other matters.

    It is unclear exactly when Amazon will begin launching satellites, although previous reports indicated it would be sometime in 2023.

  • Starshield: SpaceX’s Military Satellite Platform

    Starshield: SpaceX’s Military Satellite Platform

    SpaceX is launching a second line of satellites named “Starshield,” this one aimed at military and national security applications.

    SpaceX is the leading low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite operator with its Starlink constellation of satellites. Starlink provides internet access to under-served communities and regions, but the company sees potential in military applications as well.

    The company describes Starshield’s role on its website:

    Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use.

    SpaceX says the initial focus will be on Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads, and touts the security and encryption the platforms provides.

    Starlink already offers unparalleled end-to-end user data encryption. Starshield uses additional high-assurance cryptographic capability to host classified payloads and process data securely, meeting the most demanding government requirements.

  • AST SpaceMobile Taps Nokia for Its Space-Based Cellular Network

    AST SpaceMobile Taps Nokia for Its Space-Based Cellular Network

    AST SpaceMobile has signed a five-year deal with Nokia as it works to develop the only space-based cellular network.

    AST SpaceMobile’s goal is to provide 4G and 5G cellular service from space. Such a network would be largely immune from many of the geographical issues that can impede traditional terrestrial network rollouts. Like any spaced-based service, AST SpaceMobile’s service will require ground base stations, which Nokia will provide, according to the companies.

    Nokia will provide equipment from its comprehensive, energy-efficient AirScale portfolio including its AirScale base stations powered by its latest generation of Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC) chipsets. AST SpaceMobile will benefit from Nokia’s modular baseband plug-in cards which add capacity where it is needed offering flexibility and efficiency. Nokia will also provide its NetAct solution for network management and seamless daily network operations as well as optimization and technical support services.

    The combination of Nokia’s technology and expertise, combined with AST SpaceMobile’s plan for global coverage, should help close the connectivity gap for millions of people around the world.

    “With the integration of Nokia’s AirScale system, AST SpaceMobile and Nokia are taking an important step toward closing connectivity gaps all over the world,” said Scott Wisniewski, Chief Strategy Officer at AST SpaceMobile. “Nokia is supporting us with dozens of engineers and development professionals, including leading architecture research experts at Bell Labs, the world-renowned industrial research arm of Nokia. In the coming months, we are scheduled to launch our BlueWalker 3 test satellite into low Earth orbit, which has a 64-square meter phased array antenna designed for direct-to-cell connectivity. With this satellite, we plan to conduct testing all over the world with leading mobile network operators, leveraging Nokia’s technology solutions on the ground.”

  • Amazon Will Launch First Kuiper Satellites Next Year

    Amazon Will Launch First Kuiper Satellites Next Year

    Amazon is nearly ready to begin deploying its Kuiper satellite internet constellation, with plans to launch the first two next year.

    Project Kuiper is designed to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet but has yet to launch any satellites. The company now plans to launch the first two prototype satellites in early 2023, using United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) new Vulcan Centaur rocket.

    ULA is scheduled to provide 47 launches for our satellite constellation, and using Vulcan Centaur for this mission will give us practical experience working together ahead of those launches. The rocket will launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, and our prototype satellites are scheduled to share the ride with the Peregrine lunar lander, a NASA-funded spacecraft from Astrobotic.

    Amazon has deals for 92 launches with ULA, Blue Origin, and Arianespace. The launches will deploy a total of 3,236 Kuiper satellites. The initial prototype launch will help provide Amazon with the necessary data to ensure subsequent launches are successful.

    “We couldn’t be more excited to join the first launch of ULA’s Vulcan Centaur. We’ve already secured 38 Kuiper launches on Vulcan, and using the same launch vehicle for our prototype mission gives us a chance to practice payload integration, processing, and mission management procedures ahead of those full-scale commercial launches,” said Rajeev Badyal, vice president of technology for Project Kuiper. “Our prototype satellites will be ready this year, and we look forward to flying with ULA.”

  • Microsoft and Starlink Combine Cloud Computing and Anywhere Connectivity

    Microsoft and Starlink Combine Cloud Computing and Anywhere Connectivity

    Microsoft is expanding its focus on space, working with SpaceX to combine the power of Azure with the latter’s Starlink internet.

    Microsoft unveiled Azure Space nearly two years ago, partnering with SpaceX, among others. The company is expanding that collaboration with the goal of bringing Azure cloud computing to whether customers need it, thanks to Starlink satellite internet.

    “Azure Orbital Cloud Access brings connectivity from the cloud wherever businesses and public sector organizations need it the most,” writes Jason Zander, EVP, Strategic Missions and Technologies. “Across the space ecosystem, we are seeing a proliferation of low-latency satellite communication networks. This massive new expansion of connectivity across fiber, cellular, and satellite networks demands a new approach to connectivity, one which intelligently prioritizes traffic across these options, and bridges resilient connectivity into a seamless cloud experience.

    “Today, we are announcing the preview of Azure Orbital Cloud Access. Serving as a step toward the future of integrated 5G and satellite communications, Azure Orbital Cloud Access is a new service that enables low-latency (1-hop) access to the cloud—from anywhere on the planet—making it easier to bring satellite-based communications into your enterprise cloud operation.”

    Read more: Microsoft Makes the Leap to Space With Azure Space

    The service is currently only available to Azure Government customers. Microsoft is pitching it as an option where there is little to no connectivity or in applications that require a redundant fallback connection.

    Microsoft says its Azure traffic will be prioritized on Starlink’s network, offering the speed and reliability its customers require.

    “Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency global connectivity in conjunction with Azure infrastructure will enable users to access fiber-like cloud computing access anywhere, anytime. We’re excited to offer this solution to both the public and the private sector.”—Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer

  • FCC Denies Nearly $1 Billion in Subsidies for Starlink

    FCC Denies Nearly $1 Billion in Subsidies for Starlink

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) dealt a major blow to SpaceX’s Starlink, rejecting its application for nearly $1 billion in subsidies.

    Starlink is the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation SpaceX has been racing to deploy. The company was seeking subsidies to assist in its expansion, but the FCC has ruled against it.

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel acknowledged Starlink’s potential, but questioned the steep price point.

    “Starlink’s technology has real promise,” said Rosenworcel. “But the question before us was whether to publicly subsidize its still developing technology for consumer broadband—which requires that users purchase a $600 dish—with nearly $900 million in universal service funds until 2032.”

    The decision also impacted LTD Broadband, a Las Vegas-based company. The FCC had previously awarded LTD $1,320,920,718, alongside the $885,509,638 to Starlink. In the case of LTD, the company failed to expand aggressively enough to qualify for the funds.

    Interestingly, not all FCC commissioners agree with the decision. Commissioner Brendan Carr issued the following statement regarding the Starlink decision:

    “I am surprised to find out via a press release—while I am on a work trip to remote parts of Alaska—that the FCC has made this significant decision. I will have more to say because we should be making it easier for unserved communities to get service, not rejecting a proven satellite technology that is delivering robust, high-speed service today. To be clear, this is a decision that tells families in states across the country that they should just keep waiting on the wrong side of the digital divide even though we have the technology to improve their lives now.”

  • Russia Plans to Leave the International Space Station After 2024

    Russia Plans to Leave the International Space Station After 2024

    Russia appears to be planning to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS) after 2024, possibly with a view to building its own.

    Russia has been a partner in the ISS since its launch, with its rockets used to ferry personnel and supplies to the station. In the wake of sanctions against the country over its invasion of Ukraine, Russia says it is planning to end its participation, according to Gizmodo.

    “You know that we are working within the framework of international cooperation at the International Space Station,” said Yury Borisov, the new head of space agency Roscosmos, during his meeting with Putin (machine translation via Google). “Of course, we will fulfill all our obligations to our partners, but the decision to leave this station after 2024 has been made.

    “I think that by this time we will begin to assemble the Russian orbital station,” he added.

    Only time will tell if the statement will come to pass or if it is an idle threat.

  • OneWeb and Eutelsat Are Merging to Take On SpaceX

    OneWeb and Eutelsat Are Merging to Take On SpaceX

    OneWeb and Eutelsat have announced an agreement to combine forces in an all-stock deal.

    SpaceX has established itself as the dominant provider of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet service. Unlike older generations of satellite internet, LEO services provide speeds and latency on par with traditional broadband. OneWeb is SpaceX’s UK rival, while Eutelsat is its EU counterpart.

    OneWeb and Eutelsat have agreed to a $3.4 billion deal which will see Eutelsat and OneWeb shareholders each hold 50% of Eutelsat. The hope is that combining the companies will allow them to better leverage their individual advantages. Eutelsat, in particular, has strong cash flow while OneWeb has far more satellites in orbit — 648 versus 36.

    “I am delighted to announce this new and significant step in the collaboration between Eutelsat and OneWeb,” said Dominique D’Hinnin, Eutelsat’s Chairman. “Bringing together our two businesses will deliver a global first, combining LEO constellations and GEO assets to seize the significant growth opportunity in Connectivity, and deliver to our customers solutions to their needs across an even wider range of applications. This combination will accelerate the commercialisation of OneWeb’s fleet, while enhancing the attractiveness of Eutelsat’s growth profile. In addition, the combination carries significant value creation potential, anchored on a balanced mix of revenue, cost and capex synergies. The strong support of strategic shareholders of both parties is a testament to the huge opportunity that this combination offers and the value that will be created for all its stakeholders. This is truly a game changer for our industry.”

    Once the deal is done, Eutelsat will effectively own 100% of OneWeb, minus the ‘Special Share’ owned by the UK government.

  • DirecTV Joins SpaceX, OneWeb in Objecting to Dish Network’s 5G Plans

    DirecTV Joins SpaceX, OneWeb in Objecting to Dish Network’s 5G Plans

    The hits keep on coming for Dish Network’s 5G plans, with rival DirecTV contacting the FCC with concerns about the impact on satellite TV.

    Dish Network is working to roll out its 5G network. Once known almost exclusively for satellite TV, US regulators want Dish to be the nation’s fourth nationwide carrier, replacing Sprint. In order to achieve that, the company is looking to utilize 12GHz spectrum for its 5G network.

    Unfortunately, SpaceX has raised concerns about Dish’s use of 12GHz spectrum since it falls in the same range as that used by SpaceX to downlink its Starlink satellites with their corresponding ground base stations. SpaceX has warned that its customers will see outages 74% of the time. OneWeb, SpaceX’s British rival, has backed up those claims, saying Dish’s plans would cause significant disruptions.

    DirecTV is now joining the chorus, according to SpaceNews, warning that Dish’s plans would exceed limits designed to protect Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) systems by 100 to 100,000x.

    “Unlike broadband systems, which can replace lost [data] packets through two-way communications, DBS packets lost to interference result in frozen video screens—and canceled subscriptions,” wrote Stacy Fuller, DirecTV’s senior vice president of external affairs, in a letter to the FCC.

    “Accordingly, the Commission should terminate this proceeding and give incumbent satellite operators in the band the certainty they need to continue to invest in developing and delivering advanced services for American consumers.”

    Dish has denied SpaceX’s claims, but the growing chorus of objections is bound to raise concerns at the FCC, especially given the agency’s emphasis on closing the digital divide in the US. Starlink is already proving an invaluable part of that effort, lending weight to concerns it raises about interference.

  • OneWeb Throws Its Weight Behind SpaceX in Dish Network Dispute

    OneWeb Throws Its Weight Behind SpaceX in Dish Network Dispute

    SpaceX received some help from satellite internet competitor OneWeb, with the latter sending its own study to the FCC in support of SpaceX.

    OneWeb is a British satellite internet company and SpaceX’s main competitor. Despite being rivals, OneWeb has sent its own study to the FCC supporting SpaceX’s claims that Dish Network’s 5G plans will harm satellite internet.

    The issue stems from Dish’s plans to use 12GHz spectrum to roll out its 5G network. The spectrum is the same as that used by SpaceX and OneWeb for the downlink between their satellites and ground-based relays. SpaceX claims Dish’s 5G network will significantly interfere with that downlink, leading to outages for its customers 74% of the time.

    Despite Dish claiming that SpaceX is engaging in a “misinformation campaign,” OneWeb agrees with SpaceX, according to their filing with the FCC:

    As demonstrated by the record and reinforced herein, the answer to the Commission’s question is: Yes, there will be harmful interference to the satellite operators providing critical connectivity to communities across the United States. Yet, those hoping to change the rules for this critical spectrum band continue to ignore the people and communities OneWeb can and will help.

    OneWeb goes on to make similar statements as SpaceX, saying that the studies that Dish was a part of fail to look at the complete picture and “blatantly ignore” other critical factors.

    The OneWeb study reaches the same unavoidable conclusion as every other study that precedes it in the record: regardless of the assumptions made with respect to NGSO FSS and two-way terrestrial deployments, harmful interference from the proposed terrestrial service will not only exceed the existing interference envelope for MVDDS in the 12 GHz band, but will cause additional harmful interference.

    It remains to be seen how the FCC will rule, but the evidence appears to be mounting in favor of SpaceX and OneWeb.

  • Nearly 100,000 Starlink Users Petition FCC to Block Dish’s 12GHz 5G

    Nearly 100,000 Starlink Users Petition FCC to Block Dish’s 12GHz 5G

    Starlink’s objections to Dish Network’s 5G plans have received a major boost, with nearly 100,000 users petitioning the FCC in support of Starlink.

    SpaceX sounded the alarm over Dish’s plans to use spectrum in the 12GHz band for its 5G rollout. Since SpaceX relies on that spectrum for the downlink from satellite to ground-based terminals, the company says Dish’s plans will result in outages 74% of the time for Starlink customers in the US. Those customers appear to be genuinely concerned, with 95,703 petitioning the FCC at the time of writing.

    SpaceX minced no words in its letter to the FCC, saying Dish and wireless firm RS Access were flawed and questioned whether the two companies intentionally misled the FCC with their findings.

    As such, SpaceX urges the Commission to investigate whether DISH and RS Access filed intentionally misleading reports. These reports simply cannot be squared with DISH’s own correct representations in December 2019 that “concurrent sharing of spectrum between co-primary 5G and NGSO FSS operations is not viable in the 12 GHz Band.

    SpaceX actively recruited its users to petition the FCC, even providing a couple of pre-written forms for users. These forms are why most of the petitions appear to start with one of two opening lines.

    Given how hard the FCC has been working to help close the “digital divide” in the US – the gap between the availability and quality of internet access in urban and rural areas – the agency is sure to take note of these petitions.

  • SpaceX Says Dish Network’s 5G Aspirations Could Render Starlink Internet ‘Unusable’

    SpaceX Says Dish Network’s 5G Aspirations Could Render Starlink Internet ‘Unusable’

    SpaceX has published an analysis raising alarms over Dish Network’s 5G network rollout, saying it will severely impact its own Starlink internet service.

    Starlink is the satellite internet service SpaceX has been deploying. Unlike previous services, Starlink is a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, giving it the ability to compete with traditional broadband, in terms of speed and latency. According to SpaceX, Dish Network’s 5G rollout threatens that service by using the same 12GHz band spectrum Starlink relies on, causing interference that will render “the band effectively unusable for satellite service to most Americans.”

    SpaceX uses the 12GHz band for the downlink between its satellites and ground-based terminals. The company says that Dish’s use of the spectrum will result in interference at least 77% of the time, resulting in outages 74% of the time.

    In addition to its analysis, the company sent a letter to the FCC, in which it blasted Dish, along with wireless firm RS Access:

    Upon even a cursory review of DISH’s and RS Access’s supposed “studies” relating to how much harm a new high-power mobile service would do to next-generation satellite broadband services in the 12 GHz band, it is clear that no reasonable engineer could believe they represent an honest interference analysis.

    SpaceX even went so far as to insinuate that Dish and RS Access may have intentionally misled the FCC with their statements:

    As such, SpaceX urges the Commission to investigate whether DISH and RS Access filed intentionally misleading reports. These reports simply cannot be squared with DISH’s own correct representations in December 2019 that “concurrent sharing of spectrum between co-primary 5G and NGSO FSS operations is not viable in the 12 GHz Band.”

    It remains to be seen which company’s data and analysis are correct. However, given what’s at stake for Dish and SpaceX, not to mention the allegations SpaceX raises, it’s a safe bet this saga is far from over.

  • Starlink IPO Still a Few Years Away

    Starlink IPO Still a Few Years Away

    Investors and employees hoping for a Starlink IPO will have to wait a while longer, with Elon Musk saying it’s still several years away.

    Starlink is the leading low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet provider. Unlike traditional satellite internet, Starlink’s LEO status allows it to offer speeds and latency comparable with traditional broadband. In fact, Starlink is already giving traditional internet companies a run for their money. Despite some being eager to see a quick IPO, according to CNBC, Musk told SpaceX employees it’s still three or four years away.

    “I’m not sure exactly when that [IPO] is, but maybe it will be like — I don’t know, just guessing — three or four years from now,” Musk said at an all-hands meeting.

    Musk reiterated his belief that Starlink needs to be “in a smooth sailing situation” with “good predictability.” Only then, “I think spinning it off as a public company can make a lot of sense,” he continued.

  • SpaceX Expanding Starlink Service to the Philippines

    SpaceX Expanding Starlink Service to the Philippines

    SpaceX is expanding Starlink service to the Philippines, adding to the growing list of countries where the company provides service.

    Starlink is the constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites being deployed by SpaceX, Elon Musk’s other company. Starlink is designed to provide internet access and, thanks to its LEO satellites, its service is far superior to traditional satellite providers, even rivaling traditional broadband.

    According to Reuters, Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez says the company’s permit applications are already being processed, and SpaceX is looking for local gateway locations. Once the service goes live, it will mark a major first, with the Philippines being the first Southeast Asia country to get Starlink.

    As of time of writing, there is no confirmed timeline for launch.

  • US Space Force Meet Australian Space Command

    US Space Force Meet Australian Space Command

    Australia is forming Space Command, aimed at protecting it and its allies’ interest in space.

    Once the domain of scientists and dreamers, space is increasingly becoming an important arena for governments and militaries around the world, each taking measures to protect their interests in space. The US, for example, created Space Force as a sixth branch of its military.

    Australia is taking a similar, but slightly different, approach. According to ABC News, the country plans to launch Space Command late this year. Rather than being a completely separate branch of the military, however, Space Command is likely to be a joint command operating across the Australian Defence Force.

    At the same time, Australia has no intention of developing offensive capabilities to take out other countries’ satellites.

    “Space is a war-fighting domain but we’re not going to militarise space,” said Air Marshal Hupfeld.

    “What we will be looking to do if there is someone who doesn’t (follow international rules) is point it out,” he said.

    ABC News reports that Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts, current Head of Air Force Capability, has been tapped to lead the new Space Command.

    “The first person I remember ever having a material impact on my ambition was Neil Armstrong,” she said.

    “In 1969, as a three-year-old, I watched on in awe as Lieutenant Armstrong descended the ladder of the lunar lander and uttered the first words ever spoken on the Moon.

    “It was an incredible moment for humanity and millions of aspiring engineers that were probably created at that moment — I was no different.”

  • Russia Refuses to Launch Starlink Rival OneWeb’s Satellites Over Sanctions

    Russia Refuses to Launch Starlink Rival OneWeb’s Satellites Over Sanctions

    Russia is refusing to launch Starlink rival OneWeb’s satellites over sanctions the UK has imposed as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    OneWeb is working to roll out its satellite internet service, in competition with SpaceX’s Starlink. Like many space endeavors, OneWeb relies on Russian rockets to ferry its payloads into space. In response to UK sanctions, Dmitry Rogozin, chief of Russian space agency Roscosmos, said the agency will not deliver OneWeb satellites to space unless the company guarantees they are non-military and the UK government relinquishes its stake in OneWeb.

    The latter condition is a non-starter for the British government, according to Kwasi Kwarteng, UK Business & Energy Secretary.

    “There’s no negotiation on OneWeb: the UK Government is not selling its share.

    “We are in touch with other shareholders to discuss next steps…”

    – Kwasi Kwarteng (@KwasiKwarteng), March 2, 2022

    In response, Rogozin tweeted he would give the UK government two days “to think about it.”

  • Raining Satellites: Solar Storm Knocks Starlink Satellites From Orbit

    Raining Satellites: Solar Storm Knocks Starlink Satellites From Orbit

    Starlink has suffered a major setback, with a solar storm knocking some 40 satellites from orbit.

    Starlink is the satellite constellation SpaceX has been deploying to provide high-speed internet access around the world. The company launched 49 new satellites last week, but a solar storm has taken out the majority of them.

    The Starlink constellation is in low-Earth orbit (LEO). This allows Starlink to deliver much faster internet performance than legacy satellite systems. It also means that any satellite that fails its system checks will quickly fall out of orbit and burn up in the atmosphere, preventing it from becoming another piece of orbiting space junk.

    Unfortunately, deploying the satellites in LEO means they are far more vulnerable to atmospheric conditions than satellites in higher orbit, as SpaceX explains:

    Unfortunately, the satellites deployed on Thursday were significantly impacted by a geomagnetic storm on Friday. These storms cause the atmosphere to warm and atmospheric density at our low deployment altitudes to increase. In fact, onboard GPS suggests the escalation speed and severity of the storm caused atmospheric drag to increase up to 50 percent higher than during previous launches. The Starlink team commanded the satellites into a safe-mode where they would fly edge-on (like a sheet of paper) to minimize drag—to effectively “take cover from the storm”—and continued to work closely with the Space Force’s 18th Space Control Squadron and LeoLabs to provide updates on the satellites based on ground radars.

    Preliminary analysis show the increased drag at the low altitudes prevented the satellites from leaving safe-mode to begin orbit raising maneuvers, and up to 40 of the satellites will reenter or already have reentered the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Starlink says the satellites pose no risk to people or terrestrial objects.

    The deorbiting satellites pose zero collision risk with other satellites and by design demise upon atmospheric reentry—meaning no orbital debris is created and no satellite parts hit the ground. This unique situation demonstrates the great lengths the Starlink team has gone to ensure the system is on the leading edge of on-orbit debris mitigation.

  • US Space Force Wants Help Combatting Space Junk

    US Space Force Wants Help Combatting Space Junk

    It may not be battling aliens, but the US Space Force still wants help combating a major enemy: space junk.

    Space junk has become a growing problem over the last few decades. According to Space Force, the newest branch of the US military is tracking some 40,000 objects in orbit around Earth, only 5,000 of which are active satellites. Those 40,000 objects are fist-sized or larger, but it’s estimated there are at least 10 times as many smaller objects. All of these objects pose a major risk to space operations.

    Space Force’s new endeavor, Orbital Prime, is designed to address this problem, according to General David D. Thompson, Vice Chief of Space Operations.

    “Our goal through Orbital Prime is to partner with innovative minds in industry, academia, and research institutions, to advance and apply state of the art technology and operating concepts in the areas of debris mitigation and removal,” said General Thompson.

    Those interested in participating in Orbital Prime can register here to learn more.

  • US Agrees to Extend Space Station Operations Through 2030

    US Agrees to Extend Space Station Operations Through 2030

    The International Space Station (ISS) has earned another lease on life, with the Biden-Harris administration committed to funding it through 2030.

    The ISS has a long history of scientific advancement, but its retirement is drawing near. The station was first launched in 1998, making it over 30 years old.

    According to NASA, the Biden-Harris administration has authorized funding it through 2030, buying more time toward a replacement.

    “The International Space Station is a beacon of peaceful international scientific collaboration and for more than 20 years has returned enormous scientific, educational, and technological developments to benefit humanity. I’m pleased that the Biden-Harris Administration has committed to continuing station operations through 2030,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said. “The United States’ continued participation on the ISS will enhance innovation and competitiveness, as well as advance the research and technology necessary to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis program and pave the way for sending the first humans to Mars. As more and more nations are active in space, it’s more important than ever that the United States continues to lead the world in growing international alliances and modeling rules and norms for the peaceful and responsible use of space.”

  • Elon Musk Pushes Back on Accusations SpaceX Is Cluttering Space

    Elon Musk Pushes Back on Accusations SpaceX Is Cluttering Space

    Space X CEO Elon Musk pushed back on accusations his company is cluttering space with its Starlink satellite constellation.

    SpaceX has been racing to deploy its Starlink constellation in an effort to provide high-speed internet access worldwide. Unfortunately, the constellation’s rollout hasn’t been without controversy. Astronomers have complained that having thousands of satellites in the night sky will negatively impact their work. China recently complained to the UN that its space station had to make emergency maneuvers twice to avoid collision with the satellites.

    Despite the growing complaints, Musk says his company’s satellites are not crowding orbit, and there is plenty of room.

    In an interview with the Financial Times, via BBC News, Musk said “tens of billions” of satellites could safely be in orbit.

    “Space is just extremely enormous, and satellites are very tiny,” said Musk.

    “This is not some situation where we’re effectively blocking others in any way. We’ve not blocked anyone from doing anything, nor do we expect to,” he continued.

    “A couple of thousand satellites is nothing. It’s like, hey, here’s a couple of thousand of cars on Earth, it’s nothing,” he added.