Space safety concerns are prompting a quiet but significant change in satellite operations.
Starting in 2026, SpaceX will begin lowering the orbit of its Starlink satellites from about 550 kilometres to around 480 kilometres above Earth. The move is aimed at improving safety rather than enhancing internet services.
According to sources, the transition will happen gradually over the year. Michael Nicolls, vice president of Starlink engineering, said the objective is to concentrate satellites in a lower and less crowded orbital band, where there are fewer objects and less tracked debris.
Lower orbits reduce collision risk and help satellites re enter the atmosphere faster at the end of their life. At higher altitudes, failed satellites can remain in orbit for years. At around 480 kilometres, atmospheric drag brings them down much sooner, limiting long term space debris.
The decision follows an incident in December when a Starlink satellite experienced an anomaly at about 418 kilometres. The satellite lost altitude, created a small amount of debris, and stopped communicating. While such failures are rare, the event highlighted the risks of operating very large constellations.
Starlink now operates nearly 10000 satellites, making SpaceX the largest satellite operator in low Earth orbit. The scale has raised concerns among regulators and other operators about congestion and sustainability.
SpaceX has said users are unlikely to notice any service impact. Coverage is expected to remain stable, with safety and long term orbital management being the primary focus.
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