太突然！马斯克的“星链”卫星大批坠落，发生了什么？

Core Viewpoint - The recent increase in the number of Starlink satellites falling from orbit is significantly correlated with heightened solar activity, which affects satellite drag and orbital stability [1][2][3]. Group 1: Starlink Satellite Falls - Starlink satellites have been experiencing a notable increase in falls, with 583 satellites lost since the program's inception in 2019, including 316 in the last year alone [2]. - The number of satellites falling has escalated from 2 in 2020 to 78 in 2021, 99 in 2022, and 88 in 2023, indicating a troubling trend [2]. - The current solar activity peak is the highest in human history, coinciding with the largest number of low Earth orbit satellites [1][2]. Group 2: Solar Activity Impact - Solar activity, which follows an approximately 11-year cycle, has been linked to increased atmospheric heating, leading to greater drag on satellites and their subsequent re-entry into the atmosphere [3]. - The presence of sunspots and solar flares contributes to magnetic storms that affect the upper atmosphere, causing it to expand and increase drag on satellites [3]. Group 3: SpaceX Financial Performance - SpaceX is projected to achieve approximately $15.5 billion in revenue for the year, a significant increase from $4.6 billion in 2022, indicating a growth of more than twofold in three years [6]. - The company is expected to surpass NASA's budget by $1.1 billion in commercial space revenue next year, highlighting its growing dominance in the commercial space sector [6]. Group 4: Launch Activity - SpaceX's Falcon rockets are set to break their own record with an estimated 170 launches by the end of the year, averaging a launch every two days [7]. - As of now, SpaceX has completed 62 commercial launches this year, maintaining its position as the most active launch operator globally [7].