Troublingly, more cases like this could appear in the future as the Sun enters into a more active phase of its 11-year cycle. Sure, SpaceX, with its intense launch schedule, is particularly susceptible, but the increasing pace at which satellites are launched means other satellite operators also need to be on alert. Launches are often scrubbed on account of inclement weather, but it would make sense to also scrub launches on account of unfavorable space weather.
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SpaceX said 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.” That claim is bit rich, given that the company currently has FCC permission to fly a total of 12,000 Starlink satellites and is currently seeking permission to launch another 30,000 on top of that. The volume and position of these satellites are already affecting astronomical observations and adding to the growing volume of objects in space, heightening the risk of collisions and adding to a dangerous process known as Kessler Syndrome, which could make Earth orbit inaccessible for years.
More: Astronomers Rally to Stop Starlink and Other Satellite Constellations From Ruining the Sky.
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