Unveiling the space weather during the Starlink satellites destruction event on 4 February 2022

Abstract

Overview

On 4 February 2022, a catastrophic event led to the destruction of 38 Starlink satellites. This significant incident affected various sectors including financial, aerospace, and public domains.

Findings

• The destruction was triggered by a geomagnetic storm caused by solar disturbances, including an M1.0 class flare and subsequent coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
• The first geomagnetic storm, which occurred on 3 February 2022 due to CME arrival at Earth, caused about 20% atmospheric density perturbations at 210 km altitude. A second storm on the following day led to even more significant density enhancements.
• The simulation models showed significant variations in atmospheric conditions that led to increased drag on satellites, causing their orbits to decay rapidly.

Conclusion

This event underscores the critical need for enhanced understanding and prediction of space weather effects and advocates for increased cooperation between the industrial sector and the space weather community.