SpaceX announced plans to lower the operational altitude of approximately 4,400 Starlink satellites this year, reducing their orbit from 550 kilometers to 480 kilometers to address growing space safety concerns. The decision follows a December 2025 incident where a malfunctioning Starlink satellite generated debris, prompting renewed scrutiny of large satellite constellations.
Michael Nicolls, SpaceX's vice president of Starlink engineering, stated the altitude adjustment aims to accelerate the deorbiting of non-functional satellites. With solar activity approaching a minimum, atmospheric drag in low Earth orbit is expected to diminish, potentially prolonging debris removal timelines. Nicolls emphasized that satellites at 480 kilometers could reenter Earth's atmosphere within months if disabled, compared to over four years at higher altitudes.
The move also seeks to alleviate congestion in the 500–600 kilometer orbital band, a zone increasingly crowded by satellite systems and debris. Starlink currently operates over 9,000 satellites, with two fully inoperable units still orbiting. SpaceX is coordinating with U.S. regulators and other operators to minimize collision risks during the repositioning campaign.
This initiative underscores broader industry challenges as private and public entities navigate sustainable space operations amid rapid technological expansion.
