The experts are advising operators to change their satellites' attitude, or if they are in a low orbit and not at geostationary altitude, to adjust their orbits to duck behind the Earth for a short while until the storm passes. Two operators, Telesat Canada and Motorola Inc., say that taking the protective steps will not reduce capacity or be noticeable to customers. We don't know what effect they will have on satellites. While the Leonids will come and go, the sun poses its threat to satellites on a continual basis. Telesat officials determined that high energy electrons affected electronic chips in the Aniks' momentum wheel drives, knocking both out temporarily.
Momentum wheels are flywheels used to provide attitude control on spacecraft.
Again, the scientists are warning that a severe cycle is imminent, but the operators are downplaying any concern. The upcoming peak is expected to be the strongest since 1959-60, when the fewer satellites in orbit tended to be built to tougher military standards. The sun's activity poses two types of threat. Solar flares, or explosions on the sun' s surface, eject x-rays and energetic particles. These hit Earth one hour later and can damage electronics on a satellite, or permanently diminish the power of the solar arrays.