Fact Check: Satellite shutting down and falling into orbit

Fact-Check: "Satellite shutting down and falling into orbit"

What We Know

The claim regarding a satellite shutting down and falling into orbit appears to be partially true based on recent developments surrounding the Landsat 7 satellite. According to USGS Landsat Missions, Landsat 7 is scheduled to receive its final transmission on June 4, 2025, after a 26-year mission that began in 1999. The satellite's active science mission ended in early 2024, and it has been undergoing a process called "passivation," which involves shutting down its systems and moving it to a non-maneuverable state.

In the final stages of this process, the satellite's orbit was lowered through controlled burns, completed on April 8 and April 15, 2025, bringing it to an altitude of approximately 688 km (427.5 miles) (source-1). Following the shutdown of its systems, Landsat 7 is expected to drift in orbit for about 55 years before reentering Earth's atmosphere.

Additionally, there have been reports of other satellites, such as the Starlink satellites, experiencing failures and falling from orbit. For instance, Business Standard reported that 120 Starlink satellites fell from orbit in January 2025 due to various issues, raising concerns about satellite reliability.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding Landsat 7's shutdown and subsequent orbit is well-documented and comes from credible sources, primarily the USGS, which is responsible for the satellite's operations. The detailed timeline of its decommissioning and the technical aspects of its orbit adjustments lend credibility to the claim that it is indeed shutting down and will eventually fall into orbit.

However, the term "falling into orbit" can be misleading. While it is true that Landsat 7 will eventually reenter the atmosphere, this process will take decades, and the satellite will not be "falling" in the conventional sense of the term. Instead, it will remain in a stable orbit until it loses altitude gradually, leading to reentry.

Moreover, the mention of other satellites, like the Starlink satellites, adds context to the conversation about satellite reliability and the risks of orbital debris. Reports from CNN and Economic Times indicate that there are ongoing concerns about the management of satellites in orbit and the potential for them to malfunction and fall back to Earth.

Conclusion

The claim that a satellite is shutting down and falling into orbit is Partially True. While it accurately describes the decommissioning of Landsat 7 and its eventual reentry into the atmosphere, the phrasing may imply a more immediate and uncontrolled descent than what is technically accurate. The satellite will undergo a controlled shutdown and will remain in orbit for several decades before reentering Earth’s atmosphere.

Fact Check: Satellite shutting down and falling into orbit