SpaceX to Lower Starlink Satellites to Reduce Collision Risk

SpaceX has announced plans to lower the orbit of thousands of its Starlink satellites to reduce the risk of collisions with other satellites and objects in space. The move comes after one of its Starlink satellites exploded and another narrowly avoided colliding with a Chinese satellite.

The company has said it will lower the orbit of about 4,400 of its Starlink satellites from 550km above the Earth's surface to a lower altitude. This will help to reduce the risk of collisions and also make it easier to de-orbit the satellites at the end of their life.

The decision to lower the orbit of the Starlink satellites is a response to the growing concern about the risk of collisions in space. The European Space Agency has estimated that there are over 20,000 pieces of debris in Earth's orbit, and the risk of collisions is increasing as more satellites are launched into space.

SpaceX has been at the forefront of the development of satellite constellations, with its Starlink project aiming to provide global internet connectivity. However, the company has faced criticism for its approach to space debris, with some arguing that it has not done enough to mitigate the risk of collisions.

The decision to lower the orbit of the Starlink satellites is a step in the right direction, but it is not a complete solution to the problem of space debris. The company will need to continue to work on developing new technologies and strategies to reduce the risk of collisions and minimize the impact of space debris on the environment.

Sources

[2] SpaceX will lower Starlink satellites to reduce collision risk