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Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites are falling to Earth at an alarming rate (www.independent.co.uk)

submitted 1 week ago by pelespirit@sh.itjust.works to c/science@mander.xyz

11 comments fedilink hide all child comments

“So several times a year we’re taking these potshots at people on the Earth and fortunately so far missing. So far we’ve been very lucky, but it won’t last.”

Deorbiting Starlink satellites may not pose a risk to people, but Dr McDowell said they may still prove problematic.

Scientists are still trying to understand what impact this rate of deorbits might have on the Earth’s atmosphere.

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[–] Perspectivist@feddit.uk 13 points 1 week ago

With a lifespan of around five years, Starlink satellites are purposefully designed to burn up entirely in the Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the ground. So while the events may appear alarming as they streak across the sky, they are not dangerous.

SpaceX began launching Starlink satellites in 2019.