Binar-2, Binar-3 i Binar-4 – this was the name of the small satellites built by Curtin University in Australia. Their mission was intended exploring the solar system and developing space technologies. However, they survived the planned six months only two. As a result, the program did not meet all of its research goals.
The reason for their short life turned out to be increased solar activity. The sun, which has entered the peak of its cycle, is now much more active than initially anticipateddesigning the mission.
The Sun, like every star, goes through cyclical phases of activity are the result of changes in its magnetic field. Co about 11 years old there is a complete change of its poles, and in the middle of this cycle activity reaches its maximum. Then there are, among others: strong solar winds – streams of charged particles moving towards the Earth, which have recently caused aurora borealis visible even from Polish.
We are currently located in 25th cyclewhich brought surprisingly high star activity. Indicators suggest that in recent months, solar activity has been more than 1.5 times higher than forecast. This phenomenon was the main reason for the early termination of the Binar satellites mission.
Space weather, i.e. phenomena affecting Earth from outside our atmosphere, has a number of effects that may be visible to the naked eye or completely unnoticeable. The most famous phenomenon are the already mentioned aurora borealis, which have appeared more intensely in recent months and were visible closer to the equator. This is a direct result of increased solar activity.
However, space weather also poses much more serious challenges for satellites. More solar flares and stronger solar wind mean that satellites are exposed to, among other things, on damage to electronic componentsmay also occur radio interference.
For satellites in low Earth orbit, up to 1 thousand km above the Earth, the problem is also the “swelling” of the Earth’s atmosphere caused by the absorption of solar energy. This causes it increase in air resistancewhich slows down the satellites and causes their orbit to lower, ultimately leading to them falling towards the surface.
The current increased solar activity will not last forever. It is estimated that its level will start to decline approximately from 2026and in 2030 the Sun will again reach its minimum activity. The Binar program, despite the costly losses, is already planning further missions to take place in more favorable conditions.
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Source: geekweek.interia.pl
