Some are already went to disintegrate in the atmosphere.
This is a risk that all space engineers and satellite designers have known for decades. What is surprising is that this solar storm was observed January 29.
Particles ejected by the Sun arrived in Earth’s vicinity on February 2, creating what is known as a geomagnetic storm. However, the launch of the 49 new satellites took place on February 3. Isn’t there someone who should have recommended delaying the launch?
“They didn’t think of that?”
According to an estimate quoted by the New York Timesthe loss of these 40 satellites would amount to $100 million, including the cost of the launch.
“I’m flabbergasted,” said University of Regina astronomer Samantha Lawler in the same newspaper. “Didn’t they think of that?” adds American astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who identifies and tracks the artificial objects that revolve around our planet.
