Abstract

Overview

On 4 February 2022, a significant geomagnetic event led to the destruction of 38 Starlink satellites, drawing attention to the substantial effects such events can have on finance, aerospace, and public sectors.

Findings

• The event was triggered by an M1.0 class flare and subsequent coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on 3rd and 4th February 2022.
• Model simulations indicate that the first storm caused approximately 20% atmospheric density perturbations at an altitude of 210 km.
• A second storm increased atmospheric density by 20%-30%, with over 60% regional enhancement, significantly affecting satellite orbits due to increased atmospheric drag.

Conclusion

The destruction of the satellites underscores the pressing need for advanced understanding and improved forecasting of space weather and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the industrial and space weather communities.