Elon Musk’s Starlink fleet is burning up in orbit, scientists say

Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink satellite constellation is experiencing an unprecedented rate of satellite deorbiting, with up to four satellites burning up daily in Earth’s atmosphere as of 2025. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell notes that this number could rise to five per day as the network expands. While the fiery reentries have sparked public concern, scientists emphasize that Starlink satellites are designed to fully disintegrate upon reentry, posing no direct threat to people on the ground. Currently, about 8,500 Starlink satellites operate within a total of 12,000 active satellites in low-Earth orbit, most with a lifespan of roughly five years. The primary safety concern lies not with Starlink’s controlled reentries but with uncontrolled debris from defunct satellites and rocket stages, which can survive reentry and potentially land on Earth. As the number of satellites grows, so does the risk of collisions and space debris fallout. Additionally, researchers are investigating the environmental impact of the materials released