Three satellites from Curtin University’s Binar Space Program—Binar-2, 3, and 4—burned up in Earth’s atmosphere just two months after their launch. The incident, which occurred in early November, underscores the increasing impact of solar activity on satellite missions worldwide.

These CubeSats were initially designed for a six-month mission focused on scientific testing and system validation. However, heightened solar activity hastened their orbital decay, leading to their early re-entry. The satellites’ name, “Binar,” meaning “fireball” in the Noongar language, became an ironic nod to their fate in low Earth orbit.

The Role of Solar Activity in Orbital Decay

Solar phenomena such as sunspots and solar flares, which stem from fluctuations in the Sun’s magnetic field, play a significant role in disrupting satellite operations. Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, peaking during solar maximums, when heightened activity increases the density of Earth’s upper atmosphere. This denser atmosphere creates greater drag on satellites, accelerating their orbital decay.

While Binar-1, launched in 2021, remained operational for 364 days under milder solar conditions, its successors faced a far more volatile solar environment. This difference highlights the impact of changing solar cycles on satellite longevity.

“The loss of Binar-2, 3, and 4 underscores the growing challenges posed by solar cycles,” said a spokesperson for the Binar Space Program. “It highlights the importance of advancing forecasting techniques to better predict and mitigate the impacts of solar activity on satellite missions.”

(Photo Credit: Curtin University)

The Global Challenge of Solar-Induced Drag

The increased solar activity is a mounting concern for satellite operators globally. Both small-scale CubeSat missions and larger, more sophisticated spacecraft are vulnerable to solar-induced drag. Experts emphasize the need for improved shielding and enhanced maneuvering capabilities to counter these effects.

 

Addressing Solar Activity Through Advanced Research

India’s Aditya L1 mission is an example of efforts to understand and predict space weather influenced by solar activity. Additionally, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch Europe’s Proba-3 mission, which will create artificial eclipses to study the Sun’s corona in greater detail. Such initiatives aim to improve forecasting and enhance the durability of space missions against solar disruptions.

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Starlink satellites was launched by SpaceX from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on November 30, 2024, at 12:00am EST (10:30am IST). According to a report, this marked the latest addition to the company’s growing Starlink constellation, designed to provide global internet coverage.

Satellite Deployment and Low-Earth Orbit Expansion

As confirmed by SpaceX’s official updates, the rocket’s first stage completed its return to Earth approximately eight minutes after liftoff, landing securely on the droneship Just Read the Instructions, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. The booster, identified as B1083, had previously completed five missions, including Crew-8 and Polaris Dawn. Its latest mission brought the number of Starlink launches for this particular booster to three.

The upper stage of the Falcon 9 continued its mission by deploying the 24 satellites into their designated orbits approximately 65 minutes after launch, as per sources. Reports indicated that this deployment contributed to the Starlink megaconstellation, which has become the largest satellite network currently in operation. The system is intended to enhance global internet connectivity, with thousands of satellites already active in low-Earth orbit.

This mission is reportedly part of SpaceX’s back-to-back launches, with a second Falcon 9 rocket scheduled to take off just hours later from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The follow-up launch will carry a payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, as well as additional Starlink satellites, as per several reports.

Weather and Technical Precision

Weather conditions for the midnight launch were favourable, as noted by the 45th Weather Squadron in a statement. As per sources, the primary concerns included cloud cover and winds, which were monitored closely leading up to the launch window. Despite these factors, the mission proceeded as scheduled, with all key milestones achieved successfully.

This operation highlights SpaceX’s continued pace in satellite deployment, with Starlink missions forming a significant portion of its launch schedule for 2024.