Australian Satellites Fail Due to Surging Solar Activity: What You Need to Know About the Solar Cycle and Space Weather Impacts

Last week, three Australian satellites from Curtin University’s Binary program entered Earth’s atmosphere prematurely, where they burned up. The mission ended after just two months, even though it was originally planned to be in orbit for six months. The Binar-2, 3 and 4 satellites were not the only ones to suffer from high solar activity – recent intense solar phenomena are causing problems for satellite operators around the world, as you can read in The Conversation.

The solar cycle, which lasts about 11 years, is marked by changes in the Sun’s magnetic field. When the solar activity reaches its maximum, the frequency of phenomena like stains sunnyflares and solar wind, ie a stream of charged particles. Although this cycle is known, it is difficult to accurately predict solar activity – the processes on the Sun are complex and predictions are often inaccurate.

The current phase of the cycle, known as solar cycle 25, has surprised scientists with a 50% increase in activity. higher than expected. In the last few months, it has been accompanied by an amazing aurora borealis, which can be seen much closer to the equator than usual. High solar activity creates additional threats to satellites, astronauts and radio communications, requiring greater accuracy in space weather forecasts.

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Space weather is a phenomenon that originates from outside our atmosphere, mainly from the Sun, which affects the Earth. The increase in solar activity causes more flares and a stronger solar wind, which increases the flow of charged particles that can damage satellites’ electronic systems. In the case of satellites in low Earth orbit, atmospheric phenomena also occur, which increase air resistance and cause them to fall more quickly.

Low orbits include, but are not limited to International Station Cosmic and Starlink satellites, which can correct their position thanks to the drivers. However, university satellites such as Binary CubeSats rarely have such capabilities, making them entirely dependent on space weather.

According to scientists’ predictions, solar activity will decrease and may reach its lowest level by 2030, which means that conditions are less challenging for subsequent missions. The Binar program continues to develop future satellites that may encounter more favorable conditions.