SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network saw a significant increase in satellite re-entries, with more than 120 satellites crashing back to Earth in January, reports said.

The surge is attributed to the mass retirement of first-generation Starlink satellites as the company prepares to launch newer models.

Astronomers have reported that the re-entries produced visually stunning fireballs, with an average of four to five Starlink satellites burning up daily.

Approximately 7,000 Starlink satellites are in orbit and SpaceX has planned to refresh its mega-constellation every five years.

Each first-generation Starlink satellite generated about 30 kilogrammes of aluminium oxide during its demise, a compound known to harm the ozone layer.

A recent study indicated that the presence of aluminium and other metals in the atmosphere has increased significantly, raising alarms about pollution and its effects on atmospheric chemistry.

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Despite such environmental concerns, SpaceX has claimed that “its satellites are designed to disintegrate completely upon re-entry, posing no risk to public safety.”

But the increasing frequency of satellite crashes has sparked discussions about the potential hazards posed by space debris, including the risk of collisions with aircraft.