SpaceX's Starlink Warns of 'Degraded Service' Amid Earth's Biggest Geomagnetic Storm in 20 Years

Following the recent surge in solar activity, the satellite constellation of Elon Musk's SpaceX, known as Starlink, has issued a cautionary statement regarding potential service degradation. The Earth has been struck by an intense geomagnetic storm, which has prompted concerns about the functionality of the satellite network.

Impact on Satellite Internet

Starlink, which accounts for approximately 60% of the 7,500 satellites orbiting our planet, plays a significant role in providing satellite internet services. The company's founder, Elon Musk, acknowledged the strain on Starlink satellites due to the ongoing geomagnetic storm. Despite the challenges, the satellites have managed to maintain their operations.

Warnings from Authorities

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has characterized this geomagnetic storm as the most substantial since October 2003. The NOAA has also projected that the storm is likely to persist over the coming weekend. This situation raises concerns about potential disruptions to vital systems such as navigation, power grids, and satellite communication networks.

Technical Capabilities of Starlink

Starlink's constellation of satellites, positioned in low-Earth orbit, relies on cutting-edge technology such as inter-satellite laser links. These links facilitate the transmission of data at the speed of light between the satellites, enabling global internet coverage.