SpaceX has reported the loss of control over a Starlink satellite, which is now descending back to Earth following an anomaly. The incident, characterized by a sudden loss of communications, drop in altitude, and signs of an explosion such as ‘venting of the propulsion tank’ and ‘release of a small number of trackable low relative velocity objects,’ has raised concerns. SpaceX has assured that the satellite poses no danger to the International Space Station crew and is expected to disintegrate in the atmosphere ‘within weeks.’
This occurrence follows SpaceX’s recent encounter with a Chinese satellite, adding to the company’s challenges in maintaining its satellite constellation.
According to Leo Labs, a space-tracking firm, an ‘internal energetic source’ likely triggered the event, ruling out a collision. Following the incident, Leo Labs’ radar network detected multiple objects surrounding the satellite, indicating a potentially catastrophic event.
The incident took place at an altitude of 418km (260 miles), within the crowded low Earth orbit region where more than 24,000 objects, including satellites and debris, are currently tracked. The proliferation of satellites in this area, driven by initiatives like Starlink from various entities worldwide, raises concerns not only for astronomers but also for the risk of collisions that could escalate into unmanageable scenarios.
Source: The Verge
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