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Capella Space’s synthetic aperture radar satellites are reentering Earth’s atmosphere sooner than expected, based on publicly available satellite data. Since 2018, the startup has launched ten small satellites to low Earth orbit, including eight in its “Whitney” spacecraft family. Five of these satellites, including three Whitneys, have already reentered the atmosphere since January 2022. Remarkably, some of the Whitneys spent less than two-and-a-half years in orbit, with one lasting less than two years.

Among the remaining satellites in orbit are Capella-9 and Capella-10, which were launched on March 16 and are currently stationed at altitudes of approximately 584 km and 588 km, respectively. According to filings with the Federal Communication Commission, the propulsion system for Capella-9 was developed by Phase Four. It is worth noting that Capella-5, which also reentered prematurely, utilized the same propulsion system.

However, Capella-7 and Capella-8, launched in January 2022, seem to be operating at altitudes below 400 kilometers and are expected to deorbit within a few weeks to a few months. It remains unclear whether this early decay is due to a propulsion system issue or a miscalculation of the satellite’s requirements.

Capella Space has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

Capella, a seven-year-old startup, is part of a select group of companies working on constellations of synthetic aperture radar satellites in low Earth orbit. These satellites utilize an imaging technique that allows for detailed 3D scans of Earth’s surface regardless of weather conditions. In recent funding rounds, Capella raised million in January and million in a Series C funding round. The company plans to use the new capital to build and launch a next-generation class of SAR satellites called “Acadia.”

The first Acadia satellite is scheduled to launch on an Electron rocket by Rocket Lab on August 6 as part of a multi-mission contract between the two companies.

According to NASA’s independent report on orbital debris remediation, each Capella satellite is estimated to cost million.

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