Solar Storm knocks 40 Starlinks out of the Sky + Astra Launch Attempt [Live: 10.02.2022, 20:00 UTC]

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(Edited)

SpaceX is going to lose 80% of the last batch of Starlink satellites due to an unexpected solar flare. Starlink Satellites are initially deployed in a lower orbit and then slowly climb to their respective orbits on their own. In the beginning of the raising operation, an unexpected solar strom hit the earth. This leads to a heating of that part of the atmosphere, which leads that part of the atmosphere to expand, which increases drag on the satellites. So much drag that the satellites lost too much altitude during safe-mode that they can not overcome the thicker part of the atmosphere with their ion thrusters. At least 40 Starlinks are expected to re-enter within days.

Ellie in Space with Jonathan McDowell: What should SpaceX do to avoid losing MORE satellites?!

Statment from SpaceX from the 8th of February: spacex.com


The last launch attempts failed for a variety of reasons:

  • weather
  • radar system not available
  • telemetry issue

Main selling points for Astra are:

  • rapidly launch
  • from everywhere
  • rocket, ground equidment and launch pad fit into two shipping cointainers

Astra used to launch from Kodiak Island, Alaska. This will be the first launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

This payload consists of four CubeSats which are destined for a 500 km low-earth orbit.

  • BAMA 1 - a 1 m^2 mylar drag sail that is supposed to speed up de-orbit time from 5 years down to 2 months.
  • INCA - study neutrons in LEO
  • QubeSat - testing a quantum gyroscope in LEO
  • R5-S1 - technology demostrator for cheaper build materials for QubeSats

Where to watch:


Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com


Scott Manley: Why This Rocket Went Sideways Off The Launch Pad

Scott Manley: Astra's Secret Rocket Project Finally Reveals Itself

The Angry Astronaut: NEW CONTROVERSY!! Astra Space a pipedream? Or the next SpaceX?


Useful links to stay up to date on launches:

Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule

Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews

Space News:

NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com


Vote for my witness: @blue-witness

Posted with STEMGeeks



12 comments
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I still can't wait for the first Webb results..

Shoot mor rockets with more Starlinks.
Or have a !BEER

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Follow what Webb does here:
https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/content/webbLaunch/whereIsWebb.html

It's going to take a few months until things start to happen for real.

!BEER Cheers

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No need to tell me about Webb,it entertained me over Christmas:)
!BEER

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But I can now tell you that Astra's second stage had a few issues... Didn't make it

They need !BEER NOW

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Thank you for your witness vote!
Have a !BEER on me!
To Opt-Out of my witness beer program just comment !STOP below

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