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40 of 49 launched were lost, about 80% loss. Perhaps they intend to learn about geomagnetic storms and deal with them better next time.
by SapporoChris 5y ago
40 of 49 launched were lost, about 80% loss. Perhaps they intend to learn about geomagnetic storms and deal with them better next time.
- HWR_14 5y agoAs far as I can tell, they didn't lose 40 because of the storm directly, but because they entered safe mode before reaching their orbit, and were then unable to exit safe mode because they were too close to earth. So the data, other than "don't launch during a geomagnetic storm" is likely to be minimal.
- TrueDuality 5y agoI'm not so sure. They had the satellites in their "flat" mode and adjusted them to be edge on into the worst of the drag induced by the storm. They effectively tested that profile and have measurement data on how much drag they have to deal with under those situations. That data may allow them to limit damage to the entire fleet with larger storms, or make more informed decisions about future launches. That data probably isn't worth the cost of the satellites they lost though...
- lsaferite 5y ago> Preliminary analysis show the increased drag at the low altitudes prevented the satellites from leaving safe-mode to begin orbit raising maneuvers The increased drag was caused by the storm.