SpaceX has ordered the destruction of newly launched next-generation Starlink satellites.
A Starlink satellite entering the atmosphere // Created via Midjourney by Frandroid
In February 2023, SpaceX launched 21 next-generation Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. These satellites, which are about twice as heavy (about 790 kg), should be able to offer four times the data rate of the first generation.
They will also enable satellite communication via smartphones and other mobile devices, but also vehicles (e.g. cars). However, not everything goes as planned.
Not everything goes as planned
Experts quickly observed that the new “Starlink V2 Mini” models behaved unusually shortly after their launch. Your height was wrong. SpaceX has just confirmed that some of the satellites are being intentionally destroyed.
Lots of new technologies in Starlink V2, so as expected there will be some issues.
Some sats will be deorbited, others will be thoroughly tested before increasing altitude above the space station.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 22, 2023
As confirmed by Elon Musk, part of the 21 satellites will therefore be destroyed. According to the SpaceX co-founder, they use “a lot of new technology,” so SpaceX expected difficulties might arise. These satellites are therefore destroyed when they enter the earth’s atmosphere. The others will continue to be “extensively tested” and then carefully launched into higher orbits.
Although destroying these satellites is costly, SpaceX cannot afford to take risks by leaving defective satellites in orbit. This could cause significant damage to the space environment and other orbiting satellites.
One of the most ambitious technological projects of the decade
The development of SpaceX’s Starlink constellation is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious initiatives of the decade. As a reminder, the project aims to provide a faster and more reliable global internet connection through tens of thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit. 40,000 are planned, SpaceX has already launched more than 2,600 satellites. This fleet already represents more than a third of the approximately 6,000 artificial satellites in Earth orbit and two thirds of the American satellites.
However, the rapid development of Starlink brings with it many problems. The new technologies and advanced manufacturing processes required to build thousands of satellites at a rapid pace increase the risk of system failure and quality issues. However, the strong competitiveness in this area encourages SpaceX to take risks. The American company has to work fast to stay ahead of its competitors. Obviously, the financial stakes for SpaceX are enormous and any mistake is extremely costly.
Despite these risks, SpaceX has no choice. Consumer expectations for Internet connectivity are increasing and providers must respond quickly to these demands. SpaceX aims to maintain its leading position in the industry while new players such as Amazon come into play, which wants to compete with Starlink with its project called Kuiper. It is far from the only one, several constellation projects are deployed.
Our colleagues at are launching Watt Else, their newsletter dedicated to future mobility. Sign up here to make sure you get the next issue!