The Sunstorm satellite, operated by the Finnish space company Kuva Space Oy, has completed its mission and re-entered Earth’s atmosphere.
According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s analysis, the satellite deorbited around noon Finnish local time on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024. The exact location of the re-entry remains unknown at this time. In its final phase, the satellite’s orbit decayed rapidly due to its large folding solar panel wings and the Sun’s above-average intensity in the F10.7 cm radio band. This increased solar activity expanded the atmosphere, causing greater drag on the satellite and accelerating its deorbit.
UPDATE (5.9.): According to FMI further analysis, the satellite de-orbited about 10:30:46 on Wednesday 4.9.
Text: Leo Nyman, FMI
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