Starlink Plans to Lower Orbital Altitude of 4,400 Satellites to Enhance Space Safety

Starlink currently has more than 9,000 satellites in orbit. Nichols stated that lowering the orbit would also move the Starlink satellite system away from the increasingly congested 500–600 km orbital band, reducing risks associated with insufficient coordination and potential debris. (Reuters)

Michael Nichols, Vice President of Engineering for Starlink—the satellite internet project under U.S. aerospace company SpaceX—said the company plans to lower the orbital altitude of approximately 4,400 satellites by 2026 to help enhance space safety. This announcement follows widespread concern triggered by a Starlink satellite malfunction in December 2025, which generated space debris.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Nichols posted a statement on social media platform X on Thursday, January 1, saying the company intends to lower all satellites currently operating at around 550 km to approximately 480 km by 2026—a maneuver affecting roughly 4,400 satellites.

He explained that as solar activity shifts toward solar minimum, atmospheric density in low Earth orbit decreases, significantly prolonging the time it takes for defunct satellites to naturally deorbit due to atmospheric drag. For example, a satellite at 550 km that becomes uncontrollable could take over four years to naturally re-enter the atmosphere, whereas one at 480 km would deorbit in just a few months. Thus, operating at a lower altitude would allow failed satellites to deorbit much faster.

Starlink currently has more than 9,000 satellites in orbit. Nichols added that lowering the orbit would also position the Starlink constellation away from the increasingly crowded 500–600 km orbital band, thereby reducing risks stemming from inadequate coordination and potential debris.

Industry observers have expressed concerns that the large number of Starlink satellites poses safety challenges in space. According to media reports, in December 2025, a Starlink satellite malfunctioned, rapidly losing 4,000 meters in altitude and producing debris—suggesting a possible explosion. Such incidents pose serious threats to the safety of other spacecraft.

Nichols noted that there are currently two “completely non-functional” Starlink satellites still remaining in orbit.

He said SpaceX is coordinating with U.S. regulatory authorities and other spacecraft operators to avoid space traffic conflicts during the planned orbital lowering maneuver.