Astronomer Used Satellite Data to Gauge Atmosphere
Tracking orbital decay provides a new way to measure atmospheric expansion caused by solar activity.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Space
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Astronomer Tony Phillips has developed a method to measure atmospheric density by analyzing the orbital drag of satellite constellations. The project utilizes data from thousands of satellites to track how solar radiation and geomagnetic storms influence the upper atmosphere.
Why it matters
Understanding atmospheric density changes is critical because satellite drag increases when the atmosphere swells, posing a risk to hardware. This method provides a clear indicator of how solar energy impacts Low Earth Orbit, where orbital decay can accelerate.
The study analyzed 2,149 total satellites, using the B-star drag term from U.S. Space Force TLE data. It identified a consistent two-day lag between solar radio flux at 10.7 cm and atmospheric response.
The players
Tony Phillips
He is an astronomer and creator of spaceweather.com who tracks solar flares and geomagnetic field shifts.
US Space Force
This branch of the United States Armed Forces maintains and publishes the TLE data used for tracking satellite orbits.
The details
By tracking the B-star value in TLE data, researchers can observe how satellite sink rates spike during geomagnetic storms. This orbital data serves as a functional barometer for atmospheric density as it fluctuates in response to solar radiation.
Timeline
2022: A geomagnetic storm caused the destruction of 40 Starlink satellites.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026: Tony Phillips published the article describing this new barometer method.
The Big Picture
This project redefines the utility of the U.S. Space Force's TLE tracking system by shifting it from a positional tool to a diagnostic instrument for atmospheric science. It bridges the gap between commercial satellite operations and environmental research.
Improved understanding of atmospheric drag helps operators keep satellite constellations stable, potentially reducing the frequency of service outages for internet users. This data may also lead to better satellite shielding and more accurate collision avoidance maneuvers.
The takeaway
Satellites are more than just communication tools; they serve as a vast, distributed network of sensors for monitoring the space environment. Monitoring these orbital changes is essential for maintaining the safety of global communications infrastructure.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Space exploration and satellite observation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TheRegister.
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