最近，美国向外界发布了一项引人注目的举措——将其星链卫星大部队的轨道高度降至480公里，声称此举是出于环保考虑， 以加快报废卫星自然燃烧、减少太空垃圾。但这些理由看似正义，背后却隐藏着更为复杂的国际力量博弈。尤其是在中国空间 站的上空，频繁出现的危险接近事件，再一次将我们对美国太空计划的关注推向了高潮。 SpaceX创始人马斯克的星链计划，如今已经成为全球低轨道太空的一颗"明珠"。最初设计的1.2万颗卫星，后来把上限提升到 4.2万颗，使得星链在低轨道形成了一个庞大的网络，几乎覆盖了大部分地球表面。如今，在轨的星链卫星数量已经突破1万 颗，约占全球活跃航天器总数的六成，极大地提高了太空的拥挤度。 2021年，中国空间站先后遭遇两次来自星链卫星的"恶意靠近"，一种不可控的紧张气氛在宇宙中蔓延。这些情况让人不得不警 惕：如果未来发生碰撞，后果不堪设想。已经有卫星因为未能及时避让而解体，产生数以百计的太空碎片，对其他航天器形成 直接威胁。因此，可以说，美国的降轨决定并非简单的环保行动，而是深层次的战略布局。 星链的快速部署不仅关乎商业利益，更意味着其军事力正在被不断放大。随着乌克兰战争深入，其中的众多例子表明，星链 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing congestion in low Earth orbit due to the rapid growth of satellite numbers, highlighting SpaceX's initiative to lower the altitude of its Starlink satellites to mitigate collision risks and reduce space debris [4][5]. Group 1: SpaceX's Initiative - SpaceX plans to lower the altitude of approximately 4,400 Starlink satellites from about 550 kilometers to around 480 kilometers to create a safer operational environment [5]. - This altitude adjustment aims to facilitate quicker deorbiting of satellites in case of anomalies, thereby reducing the generation of space debris [4][5]. Group 2: Solar Activity and Orbital Decay - The altitude reduction is also linked to solar activity cycles, which affect the density of the upper atmosphere. The next solar minimum is expected in the early 2030s, leading to prolonged orbital decay times for satellites at higher altitudes [5]. - By lowering the altitude, the orbital decay time can be reduced from potentially over four years to just a few months, increasing the decay rate by over 80% [5]. Group 3: Risks of Space Congestion - The article notes that low Earth orbit is becoming increasingly crowded, with SpaceX adding over 3,000 satellites through 121 launches last year, averaging one new satellite every three days [6]. - The World Economic Forum predicts a 190% increase in the number of low Earth orbit satellites over the next decade [6]. Group 4: Collision Risks and Kessler Syndrome - The proliferation of satellites raises the risk of collisions, which can create debris that threatens both active satellites and future space missions, potentially triggering the Kessler Syndrome [7][8]. - Kessler Syndrome refers to a scenario where space debris reaches a critical mass, leading to cascading collisions and making certain orbits unusable [8].

来源丨央视新闻 编辑丨江佩佩 见习编辑张嘉钰 "星链"19日在社交媒体账号上发文称，17日，这颗卫星的轨道高度迅速下降4000米。目前卫 星大致保持完整，正在翻滚，预计将在几周内重新进入地球大气层并完全烧毁。该公司正与美 国太空军和美国国家航空航天局合作监测卫星碎片。 追踪卫星机构澳大利亚近地轨道实验室公司表示，发现了"数十块"可能是事故残骸的碎片，可 能还会发现更多碎片。这颗卫星的碎片可能对其他在轨运行的卫星构成威胁。 据央视新闻报道，美国太空探索技术公司旗下"星链"计划的一颗卫星日前在太空中发生异常， 产生了少量碎片并与地面失去联系。 A股家装第一股重整获批！搭上算力，曾狂揽24个涨停 搭上马斯克，陕西杀出可控核聚变大牛股，涨幅翻倍，市值创新高 一签赚40万，A股最赚钱新股背后赢家曝光 21君荐读 SFC 2 悦 读 · 智能 权 威 . r7 o 扫码点击下载 ...

更多最新消息： 泽连斯基：乌美新一轮磋商取得建设性进展；以色列外长：只有哈马斯解除武装，加沙才能重建；美 国"星链"一颗卫星或爆炸失联丨早报 "星链"19日在社交媒体账号上发文称，17日，这颗卫星的轨道高度迅速下降4000米。 目前卫星大 致保持完整，正在翻滚，预计将在几周内重新进入地球大气层并完全烧毁 。该公司正与美国太空军 和美国国家航空航天局合作监测卫星碎片。 追踪卫星机构澳大利亚近地轨道实验室公司表示， 发现了"数十块"可能是事故残骸的碎片，可能还 会发现更多碎片 。这颗卫星的碎片可能对其他在轨运行的卫星构成威胁。 据央视新闻，美国太空探索技术公司旗下"星链"计划的一颗卫星日前在太空中发生异常，产生了少 量碎片并与地面失去联系。 ...

"今日印度"网站21日称，SpaceX 方面证实，一颗"星链"卫星17日发生事故，在近地轨道上形成了一条 碎片带。美国近地轨道实验室公司表示，该卫星从418公里的轨道高度迅速坠落，显示其可能发生了某 种爆炸。他们发现了"数十个"可能是事故残骸的碎片，"随着对事件分析的继续，可能还会发现更多碎 片"。报道称，这颗卫星在推进器燃料箱泄漏并释放多个物体后，开始不受控制地坠落。初步调查发 现，该事故可能是由卫星内部问题引起的，而不是与太空中的另一个物体相撞。目前SpaceX工程师正 在调查这起"看似卫星内部爆炸"的事故原因，并与美国国家航空航天局（NASA）和美国太空军协调进 行追踪。 SpaceX方面表示，这颗卫星大体结构完好，预计将在几周内重返地球大气层时烧毁，不会对国际空间 站及其宇航员构成危险。该公司确认，卫星运行轨迹位于国际空间站下方，从而避免了与其发生碰撞的 风险。 【环球时报特约记者 魏云峰】拥挤的近地轨道发生卫星失控事故一直是各国航天界最为担心的灾难。 随着美国太空探索技术公司（SpaceX）一颗"星链"卫星在轨失控爆炸，这种太空事故的风险越发受到各 国警惕。 自"星链"星座项目启动以来，SpaceX ...

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of the "Beibu Gulf No. 1" satellite marks Guangxi's first acquisition of satellite "shutter control," enhancing its remote sensing capabilities for high-resolution SAR data collection [1][2]. Group 1: Satellite Launch and Capabilities - The "Beibu Gulf No. 1" satellite was successfully launched on October 19, 2023, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, enabling Guangxi to autonomously obtain high-resolution SAR data [1]. - The satellite, developed by China Science and Technology Group, features an X-band SAR payload with a unique Cassagrande dual-reflector antenna system, achieving an imaging resolution better than 0.5 meters [1]. - Weighing less than 270 kilograms, the satellite can perform SAR imaging for up to 5 minutes in a single orbit, showcasing domestic leading capabilities [1]. Group 2: Strategic Implications for Guangxi - The launch transforms Guangxi's space and aerial information sector from passive data acquisition to active observation, marking a new era in space exploration and utilization [2]. - The region's natural advantages and high-quality industrial structure position it to effectively connect domestic and international markets, facilitating satellite remote sensing data services and aerospace technology promotion [2]. - The city of Fangchenggang aims to establish a comprehensive aerospace innovation demonstration park, focusing on the entire industrial chain for commercial aerospace targeting ASEAN markets [2].

Core Insights - The research highlights the significant impact of increased solar activity on the operational lifespan of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, particularly those of SpaceX's Starlink, with a notable rise in satellite falls from 2020 to 2024 [1][2] Group 1: Satellite Fall Trends - From 2020 to 2024, a total of 1,190 satellites fell from very low Earth orbit (VLEO), with 583 of these being Starlink satellites [1] - The number of falling Starlink satellites has shown an increasing trend, correlating with heightened solar activity, rising from 2 in 2020 to 316 in 2024 [1][2] Group 2: Solar Activity and Its Effects - Solar activity follows an approximately 11-year cycle, with the period from 2020 to 2024 being characterized by the rising and peak phases of the 25th cycle [2] - Increased solar activity leads to significant geomagnetic disturbances, causing the Earth's thermosphere to warm and expand, which in turn increases atmospheric density and drag on LEO satellites [2] Group 3: Implications for Satellite Design and Monitoring - The design lifespan of LEO satellites like Starlink is typically around 5 years, but increased geomagnetic activity can lead to earlier re-entry into the atmosphere, shortening the descent phase by 10 to 12 days during intense geomagnetic storms [2] - The research emphasizes the need for enhanced monitoring and predictive measures during periods of intense solar and geomagnetic activity to mitigate risks of in-orbit collisions and satellite debris impacting Earth [2]