Why Starlink Is Lowering Its Satellite Orbit
According to Reuters Starlink will begin lowering the orbit of its satellites from about 550 kilometres to 480 kilometres throughout 2026, according to SpaceX’s vice president of Starlink engineering, Michael Nicolls. The move is aimed at improving space safety by reducing congestion and lowering the risk of collisions in Earth’s orbit.
The decision follows a rare incident in December when one Starlink satellite suffered an in-orbit anomaly, producing a small amount of debris and losing communication. The satellite rapidly dropped in altitude, suggesting a possible onboard failure. Nicolls said operating below 500 kilometres places satellites in a less crowded orbital zone, where fewer debris objects and planned constellations exist.
With the number of spacecraft in orbit rising sharply as companies expand satellite internet and imaging services, SpaceX says the adjustment will help make low-Earth orbit safer. Starlink is currently the world’s largest satellite network, with nearly 10,000 satellites providing broadband internet globally.
