损失583颗卫星！太阳活动让马斯克“星链”大批坠落，平均寿命缩至5年【附卫星互联网行业市场分析】

Group 1 - The recent increase in the number of SpaceX's Starlink satellites falling from orbit has raised significant concerns, with a staggering 316 satellites expected to fall in 2024, a 259% increase compared to 2023 [2][6] - Since the launch of the Starlink project in 2019, the number of fallen satellites has escalated from 2 in 2020 to 78 in 2021, and 99 in 2022, totaling 583 satellites lost to date, which is approximately 1 in every 15 satellites [2][3] - NASA's research indicates a clear correlation between solar activity and satellite falls, with increased solar activity leading to atmospheric expansion that accelerates orbital decay for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites [2][6] Group 2 - The Starlink project, initiated by SpaceX in 2015, aims to provide global internet access through a constellation of satellites, particularly targeting remote and rural areas [4] - The United States leads globally in the number of satellites in orbit, with 5,165 satellites as of May 2023, and accounted for nearly 50% of global launch attempts in 2023 [4] - SpaceX has not yet issued an official statement regarding the reasons behind the satellite falls, but studies suggest that stronger geomagnetic activity correlates with faster re-entry rates of satellites [6] Group 3 - The satellite falls have highlighted technical shortcomings in the Starlink project, raising discussions about space sustainability, the increase of space debris, and environmental impacts [3][6] - SpaceX claims that its satellites are designed to burn up upon re-entry, but actual cases have shown exceptions, posing potential threats to ground safety [3] - The limited thrust of the ion thrusters used in Starlink satellites makes it challenging to maintain stable orbits, contributing to the increased risk of satellite falls [3]