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Solar maximum just knocked 3 satellites out of orbit. Here's why more may be on the way.


The Sun's activity is what gives us beautiful auroras — but it also has dramatic negative effects on satellites that go around Earth in a low orbit.

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A 40 year old loophole exempts satellites that burn up in Earth’s atmosphere from NEPA oversight. As satellites are now meant to be replaced every 5 years, mega-constellations will generate a steady stream of junk in the upper atmosphere where metallic ash could remain for hundreds of years.