SpaceX is moving thousands of Starlink satellites in orbit to reduce the chances of them colliding with rivals

Published: Friday, January 2, 2026 at 10:29 am

SpaceX to Reposition Thousands of Starlink Satellites to Mitigate Collision Risks

SpaceX is taking proactive measures to enhance the safety of its Starlink satellite constellation. The company announced plans to reposition approximately 4,400 Starlink satellites to lower orbits by 2026. This decision follows a recent near-miss incident involving Chinese satellites, underscoring the growing concerns about space debris and potential collisions in Earth's increasingly crowded orbit.

Michael Nicholls, VP of Starlink engineering at SpaceX, stated that the orbital adjustments will reduce the time it takes for defunct satellites to burn up in the atmosphere. This move is also intended to decrease the likelihood of collisions with other satellites and space debris. SpaceX founder Elon Musk noted that the repositioning could allow Starlink to serve a "higher density" of customers.

The initiative comes as the space environment becomes more congested. The European Space Agency estimates that there are approximately 1.2 million pieces of space debris in orbit, traveling at high speeds and posing a significant threat to operational satellites and manned missions. The recent near-miss involving Chinese satellites, where nine satellites came within 650 feet of a Starlink satellite, highlighted the urgency of addressing these risks. SpaceX also reported that one of its Starlink satellites exploded last month.

The Starlink satellites will be lowered from approximately 342 miles to about 298 miles above Earth's surface. Nicholls emphasized that the amount of space debris and planned satellite constellations is "significantly lower" below 311 miles. SpaceX believes these actions will improve the safety of the constellation, particularly in light of uncoordinated maneuvers and launches by other satellite operators.

BNN's Perspective:

While SpaceX's initiative is a positive step toward mitigating the risks of space debris and potential collisions, it also highlights the need for international cooperation and standardized regulations to manage the increasingly crowded orbital environment. A balanced approach that encourages innovation while prioritizing safety and sustainability is crucial for the long-term health of space exploration.

Keywords: SpaceX, Starlink, satellites, orbit, collision, space debris, near-miss, Chinese satellites, Elon Musk, space safety, satellite constellation, European Space Agency, space environment, satellite operators, uncoordinated maneuvers, launches

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