Unexpected space weather causing the reentry of 38 Starlink satellites in February 2022

Abstract

The accidental reentry of 38 Starlink satellites occurred in early February 2022, associated with the occurrence of moderate magnetic storms. A poorly understood structure of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) caused the magnetic storms at unexpected timing. Therefore, a better understanding of minor CME structures is necessary for the modern space weather forecast. During this event, the “up to 50%” enhancement of air drag force was observed at ~200 km altitude, preventing the satellites’ safety operations. Although the mass density enhancement predicted by the NRLMSIS2.0 empirical model is less than 25% under the present moderate magnetic storms, the real-time GAIA simulation showed a mass density enhancement of up to 50%. Further, the real-time GAIA simulation suggests that the actual thermospheric disturbances at 200 km altitude may occur with larger amplitude in a broader area than previously thought.