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Scientists Warn of Potential Low Earth Orbit Collapse Due to Solar Storms

Scientists Warn of Potential Low Earth Orbit Collapse Due to Solar Storms

A new study highlights the fragility of low Earth orbit, warning that a major disruption could lead to a catastrophic collision in as little as 2.8 days. The study, led by Sarah Thiele, introduces the Collision Realization And Significant Harm (CRASH) Clock, which estimates the time until a serious collision if satellite control is lost. The increasing congestion in low Earth orbit, driven by mega constellations like Starlink, poses a significant risk. Solar storms, which can disrupt satellite tracking and maneuvers, exacerbate this threat, potentially leading to a cascade of collisions.
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Scientists Warn of Potential Catastrophic Collision in Low Earth Orbit

Scientists Warn of Potential Catastrophic Collision in Low Earth Orbit

A new study warns that a major disruption in satellite control could lead to a catastrophic collision in low Earth orbit within 2.8 days. The risk is heightened by the increasing number of mega constellations, which are large networks of satellites that add congestion to the orbital environment. These satellites support various services, including internet access and weather monitoring, but also increase the risk of collisions. The study introduces the Collision Realization And Significant Harm (CRASH) Clock, which estimates the time until a serious collision could occur if satellite control is lost. The study highlights the vulnerability of low Earth orbit, which relies on precise control to prevent collisions. A major solar storm could disrupt this control, leading to increased atmospheric drag and unpredictable satellite paths.
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Falcon 9 Rocket Stage Set to Impact Moon, Raising Space Debris Concerns

Falcon 9 Rocket Stage Set to Impact Moon, Raising Space Debris Concerns

The upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket, launched in January 2025, is expected to collide with the Moon on August 5, 2026. This stage was part of a mission that included the Blue Ghost and Hakuto-R lunar landers. While the Blue Ghost successfully landed, the Hakuto-R failed due to a malfunction. The Falcon 9 stage, traveling at 5,400 mph, will impact the Moon's near side. Bill Gray, an astronomer, has tracked the stage using Project Pluto software, confirming its trajectory. Although the impact is unlikely to be visible from Earth, it highlights the issue of space debris.
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T-Mobile Reports Lower Than Expected Usage of Starlink's Direct-to-Device Service

T-Mobile Reports Lower Than Expected Usage of Starlink's Direct-to-Device Service

T-Mobile Reports Lower Than Expected Usage of Starlink's Direct-to-Device Service
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NASA Astronaut Captures Stunning Aurora from Space

NASA Astronaut Captures Stunning Aurora from Space

NASA Astronaut Captures Stunning Aurora from Space
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SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launches Viasat Satellite from Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launches Viasat Satellite from Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon Heavy rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying a Viasat broadband satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit. The mission, known as ViaSat-3F 3, marks the first Falcon Heavy launch from the Space Coast in over a year, with the previous launch occurring in October 2024 for NASA's Europa Clipper mission. The launch was initially delayed due to poor weather conditions but proceeded at 10:13 a.m. on April 29, 2026. The Falcon Heavy, composed of three Falcon 9 boosters, is notable for its powerful lift capabilities. Following the launch, the rocket's two side boosters returned to Cape Canaveral Landing Zones, creating twin sonic booms.
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NASA's TESS Telescope Uncovers Over 10,000 New Exoplanet Candidates, Expanding Galactic Knowledge

NASA's TESS Telescope Uncovers Over 10,000 New Exoplanet Candidates, Expanding Galactic Knowledge

A reanalysis of data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has identified over 11,000 candidate exoplanets, marking the largest single batch ever discovered. This reanalysis, led by Joshua Roth at Princeton University, utilized improved techniques to revisit TESS's first year of data, allowing researchers to detect signals from fainter and more distant stars. The discovery significantly expands the known pool of potential planets beyond our solar system, with these candidates extending up to 6,800 light-years toward the center of the Milky Way. The study highlights the potential of existing datasets to reveal hidden astronomical phenomena.
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Amazon Launches 29 Internet Satellites to Expand Global Broadband Network

Amazon Launches 29 Internet Satellites to Expand Global Broadband Network

Amazon Launches 29 Internet Satellites to Expand Global Broadband Network
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Amazon Launches 29 Internet Satellites on ULA Atlas V to Expand Global Broadband

Amazon Launches 29 Internet Satellites on ULA Atlas V to Expand Global Broadband

Amazon Launches 29 Internet Satellites on ULA Atlas V to Expand Global Broadband
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Florida's Space Coast Faces Weather Delays for Rocket Launches

Florida's Space Coast Faces Weather Delays for Rocket Launches

Florida's Space Coast is experiencing weather-related delays affecting planned rocket launches this week. Initially, two launches were scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026, including a SpaceX Falcon Heavy and a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket. The Falcon Heavy launch was postponed due to adverse weather conditions at the Kennedy Space Center. The ULA Atlas V rocket, equipped with five solid rocket boosters, is set to launch 29 Amazon Leo broadband satellites later tonight. Additionally, a SpaceX Starlink launch is planned for Friday, May 1. These launches are part of Florida's record-setting pace, with 29 launches already in 2026 following 109 orbital launches in 2025. Depending on weather and trajectory, launches can be visible from Jacksonville Beach to West Palm Beach.
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SpaceX Achieves 50th Launch of the Year with Starlink Satellite Deployment

SpaceX Achieves 50th Launch of the Year with Starlink Satellite Deployment

SpaceX successfully launched its 50th mission of the year, deploying 25 Starlink broadband satellites into orbit. The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California using a Falcon 9 rocket. This mission marks the 15th launch and landing for the Falcon 9 booster designated 1088. The Starlink satellites were deployed into low Earth orbit, joining the largest satellite constellation ever assembled, which now consists of nearly 10,300 active satellites. SpaceX has conducted 42 Starlink missions this year, contributing to the rapid expansion of its broadband internet service.
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Atlas V Rocket to Launch 29 Amazon Internet Satellites to Orbit

Atlas V Rocket to Launch 29 Amazon Internet Satellites to Orbit

Atlas V Rocket to Launch 29 Amazon Internet Satellites to Orbit