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Three tiny Australian satellites, Binar-2, 3, and 4, from Curtin University's Binar Space Program unexpectedly burned up in Earth's atmosphere after just two months in orbit.
This was due to unusually high solar activity, which caused them to lose altitude faster than anticipated.
What is a Solar Cycle?
The solar cycle is an approximately 11-year period during which the Sun's magnetic field flips.
Solar activity, including sunspots, solar flares, and solar wind, peaks at the midpoint of this cycle.
It influences space weather and the Earth's atmosphere.
Why is the Sun So Active?
The Sun's activity is tied to its changing magnetic field.
Currently, solar activity is higher than predicted for solar cycle 25, with increased sunspots, solar flares, and stronger solar wind.
This high activity has been disrupting satellite operations and space weather.
The Impact of Space Weather
Space weather refers to environmental effects from the Sun, such as solar flares and charged particles that can affect satellites and astronauts.
Increased solar activity causes:
Stronger solar wind and solar flares, damaging satellites' electrical systems.
Higher ionizing radiation affecting astronauts and pilots.
Atmospheric drag on satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which can cause them to fall back to Earth.
What is Binar?
It is a satellite research program operating out of Curtin University, Australia
It aims to advance our understanding of the Solar System and lower the barrier for operating in space.
The program began operations with its first satellite, Binar-1, in September 2021.
This was less than a year into solar cycle 25 when solar activity was relatively low.
The program’s follow-up mission – Binar-2, 3, and 4 – were three equally sized CubeSats.
However, they were expected to last approximately six months owing to the extra surface area from new deployable solar arrays and a forecast increase in solar activity.
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