Forty SpaceX satellites burn up after solar flare hits Earth

On February 4th, SpaceX launched 49 Starlink satellites, but up to 40 crashed back to Earth due to a solar flare. The flare increased atmospheric density, trapping the satellites in dense air. SpaceX attempted to minimize drag and maneuver the satellites to a higher orbit, but the increased drag and low power motors prevented success, leading to the crash.

What was the primary cause of the SpaceX Starlink satellites crashing to Earth?

• A malfunction in the Falcon 9 rocket

• A collision with space debris

• The effects of a solar flare

• An error in satellite programming

How did the solar flare affect the Earth's atmosphere?

• It made the atmosphere less dense

• It increased the atmospheric density by 50%

• It caused a decrease in atmospheric pressure

• It had no effect on the atmosphere

What strategy did SpaceX use to try to minimize atmospheric drag on the satellites?

• Turning the satellites sideways

• Lowering the altitude of the satellites

• Increasing the speed of the satellites

• Deploying parachutes

Why were the satellites unable to maneuver to a higher orbit?

• The satellites were too heavy

• The communication system failed

• The satellites ran out of fuel

• The additional drag overcame the low power motors

What was the final outcome for the satellites after the failed maneuver?

• They successfully reached a higher orbit

• They were retrieved by SpaceX

• They crashed back to Earth

• They remained in a stable low orbit