Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite division, warns of degraded service amidst the biggest geomagnetic storm in two decades, affecting approximately 60% of the world’s satellites. The storm, described as the most substantial since 2003 by the NOAA, poses risks to navigation systems, power grids, and satellite services.
11 May 2024 – Starlink, the satellite division of SpaceX led by Elon Musk, issued a warning regarding a “degraded service” as Earth grapples with the most significant geomagnetic storm in two decades. With ownership of approximately 60% of the nearly 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth, Starlink holds a dominant position in the satellite internet sector.
In a recent statement, Musk acknowledged that Starlink satellites were facing substantial pressure due to the ongoing geomagnetic storm, although they were holding up reasonably well. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has described this storm as the most substantial since October 2003, and it’s expected to persist over the weekend, posing risks to navigation systems, power grids, and satellite navigation services.
Starlink’s network relies on thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit that use inter-satellite laser links to transmit data at the speed of light, providing global internet coverage. However, the current geomagnetic storm highlights the vulnerability of satellite systems to space weather events.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, SpaceX and other satellite operators are continuously working to improve the resilience of their systems through advanced technology and algorithms. As the demand for satellite internet grows, ensuring reliable connectivity in the face of space weather becomes increasingly crucial. – ref: Reuters
