SpaceX confirmed the loss of up to 40 Starlink satellites launched on February 3 due to the effects of a geomagnetic storm.
The Falcon 9’s second stage deployed the satellites into their intended orbit, however most of the satellites deployed on that mission failed to pass initial system checkouts and have de-orbited.
SpaceX said the lost satellites, part of a batch of 49 launched that day, experienced increased drag at the low altitudes due to the geomagnetic storm, preventing the satellites from leaving safe-mode to begin orbit raising maneuvers.
https://www.spacex.com/updates/
SpaceX launches 49 more Starlink satellites
SpaceX successfully launched 49 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit on a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The booster previously launched Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, and IXPE.The Falcon 9’s first stage was recovered on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. One fairing half previously supported five Starlink missions, and the other half previously supported Transporter-1…
