SpaceX will de-orbit some of the Starlink V2 Mini satellites that have begun to descend
SpaceX has started to experience problems with the Starlink V2 Mini spacecraft. Some of the satellites will have to be removed from orbit.
Here's What We Know
In late February, SpaceX launched 21 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit. A Falcon 9 rocket delivered them to an altitude of 365km. The spacecrafts were expected to reach an orbit of 530km, but that did not happen.
Lot of new technology in Starlink V2, so we're experiencing some issues, as expected.
- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 22, 2023
Some sats will be deorbited, others will be tested thoroughly before raising altitude above Space Station.
Starlink V2 Mini stopped at an altitude of 380 km. On March 15, SpaceX satellites began their descent and returned to an altitude of 365km. Elon Musk reported that some spacecraft will have to be removed from orbit because of "some problems". However, the head of SpaceX noted that the Starlink V2 Mini is stuffed with new technology, so malfunctions were expected.
Source: @elonmusk
