Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, is currently experiencing \"degraded service\" due to a significant geomagnetic storm. This solar event, the strongest in two decades, is impacting Starlink's extensive network of satellites that provide internet connectivity around the world.
Elon Musk took to X earlier on Saturday to inform users about the situation, stating that the Starlink satellites are under immense pressure from the geomagnetic storm but are maintaining their operations despite the challenges. \"Our satellites are experiencing higher than usual stress from the solar storm, but they're holding up well so far,\" Musk tweeted.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has confirmed that this storm is the most potent since October 2003. The storm is expected to persist over the weekend, presenting risks not only to satellite internet services but also to navigation systems and power grids globally.
Starlink's network comprises approximately 7,500 satellites in low-Earth orbit, with around 60 percent of them under Starlink's ownership. These satellites utilize inter-satellite laser links to transmit data at the speed of light, ensuring seamless internet coverage across various regions.
The current solar storm underscores the vulnerability of satellite-based services to space weather events. As reliance on satellite technology grows, both private companies and governments are increasingly focused on mitigating the impacts of such natural phenomena to maintain the stability of critical infrastructure.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
