How a rather mundane space storm knocked out 40 SpaceX satellites.

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. We may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.

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From Frank S.: How a rather mundane space storm knocked out 40 SpaceX satellites. Here is an excerpt:

“In recent months, sky watchers have been treated to some of the most beautiful auroras in years as the sun enters a period of greater activity. Moderate and strong solar storms in October and November spurred the dancing purple and green lights in Earth’s atmosphere, delighting scientists and photographers.

But last week, SpaceX witnessed a different stunning impact of the charged particles hurtling through space when 40 of their small Starlink communications satellites were knocked out a day after they launched. The loss could cost the company tens of millions of dollars. Starlink ultimately will consist of tens of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit.

According to a SpaceX news release, 40 out of 49 Starlink satellites will reenter the atmosphere or already have entered after encountering a geomagnetic storm on Feb. 4. The satellite fleet, intended to bring low-cost Internet service to remote areas of the planet, was launched on Feb. 3 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The company said the satellites are not expected to create debris or hit the ground on reentry, instead being incinerated during the fiery reentry.”

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Reader CW64 offered this suggestion:

“Regarding the recent post by SaraSue; an often overlooked reason for leaving a faucet or two open is to relieve pressure build-up in the pipes if they freeze. It is the pressure that typically causes damage. The This Old House television show has a good video on the topic.”

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Mrs. Alaska had some advice on speedy seed germination:

“Most seeds germinate best at soil temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. For this reason, many gardeners place heat pads beneath their seedling pots. However, we live off-grid and any heat producing item draws a lot of power. What to do? I put cookie sheets over the two pilot lights on my gas stove, and even inside the (cold) oven, and fill each one with seed pots. The metal sheet temperature rises to 75 – 80 degrees F over the whole surface.

Proof: the spaghetti squash seeds that I planted 1 inch deep on Feb 2 were 1 inch tall (above the soil) on Feb 9! I hope that this approach will enable me to start many slow growing, warmth loving plants in my cold climate and rather chilly cabin.

Once the seedlings sprout two true leaves, I move them from the heating tray to other locations, making room for others to get off to a warm and cozy start.”

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Doug C. sent this: We’re At End Days Here” – US Faces Rampant Shortages Of 116 Different Pharmaceutical Drugs. Doug pulled out these key quotes:

“The FDA regularly keeps a list of pharmaceutical drug shortages. According to that list, there were 112 drug shortages in the U.S. in November, and there were 114 drug shortages in the U.S

Unfortunately, this is another area where we have outsourced a tremendous amount of production to China.

Today, a whopping 97 percent of all antibiotics purchased in the United States come from China.

Just think about that.

If our supplies of antibiotics were suddenly cut off, a whole lot of Americans would die.”

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Pamela B. sent this note:

“Regarding your comment about a driver either being drunk or asleep at the wheel, there is unfortunately another possible reason.

Since the Jab in the Arm to protect everyone from dying a horrible death, the uptick in Vaxxidents in our nation and worldwide.

It will be getting worse when more of the Jabbed start to suddenly drop dead.”

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The deer and ducks win: Gun sales surge brings record money for conservation grants.

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John A. spotted this compact ceramic refrigerator made in India that uses just water condensation, for cooling: MitiCool. Anyone who relies on stored injectable insulin would benefit from having one, in the event of a grid-down disaster. Hopefully, some enterprising American importer will begin selling them.

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Here is a news story that illustrates the systemic risks created by The Internet of Things (IOT): An NPR Broadcast Permanently Bricked Mazda Radio Systems. (Thanks to F.J. for the link.)

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Pelosi Congress Claims Sovereign Immunity in Federal Court to Keep Secret January 6 Videos and Emails.

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Video with Laura Ingraham, over at Fox News: Biden ATF suggests Americans report current, former partners’ ‘illegal gun activity’ for Valentine’s Day. JWR’s Comment: This Stasi-style rhetoric is chilling!

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H.L. suggested this piece at Breitbart: Nolte: Truck Drivers Are the Atlas that Finally Shrugged.

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Reader D.S.V. found this at the American trucking Association site: Vaccine Mandate.

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Also from D.S.V.: Life insurance payouts leap 258% as post-vaccine deaths accelerate.

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SaraSue sent this update:

“I am working on a several-part article regarding the 7-year food plan since I got a couple of remarks about my last status. I am working through the Bible again. I read Revelations in December, then started January in Genesis, and I’m now in Exodus. I’m working with my German Shepherds in teaching them how to be “livestock guardian dogs”, which is a bit of a challenge, but going well. GSDs have a strong prey drive, but mine seem to be enamored with the baby goats. They nuzzle each other through the fence and my dogs can spend hours just watching them. The dogs have learned to not eat the chickens although they can’t resist the chase. I’ve been pretty hard on my dogs about respecting the other animals. I’ve been searching for a family milk cow. It’s apparent that thousands of people are doing the same thing, which is driving up cost and wait times. I was hoping for a mini Jersey and those are now financially out of reach ($3,500 – $10,000 each). Plus I don’t want to risk that much money on a single animal. I’m looking at Guernseys, Brown Swiss, Holstein, and Ayrshires. I’m a bit afraid of such large animals, so finding the right one is important. We have a lot of Mennonite and Amish families near me, so I’m reaching out to families in those communities.”

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A great 2021 video with a glimpse of yesteryear: 150 CASE Road Locomotive pulling 44 bottom John Deere plow – new record! JWR’s Comment: That tractor, and the men who built it and keep it running, are American treasures.

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And finally, Captain Nemo sent us a bit of OPSEC humor: Talking Husky Drowns Alexa.