In 2026, SpaceX will reconfigure its Starlink satellites, lowering the altitude of approximately 4,400 satellites from 550 km to 480 km. This change is intended to enhance space protection by reducing collision risk using less crowded orbital space and ensuring failed satellites deorbit more quickly due to increased atmospheric drag. The choice comes after growing orbital congestion and a recent satellite anomaly. By concentrating the fleet in a lower, less congested band. SpaceX’s Starlink object orbit aims to prevent debris build-up and improve long-term orbital sustainability.  

Key Reasons for the Orbital Shift 

Less crowded orbits: The region below 500 km has fewer satellites and less debris, reducing the risk of collisions.  

Faster deorbiting occurs because increased atmospheric drag at lower altitudes causes non-operational satellites to de-orbit and burn up more quickly, reducing the amount of extended space debris.  

Mitigating risk: The shift addresses concerns about Kessler syndrome and reduces the risk posed by uncoordinated maneuvers by others, says SpaceX VP Mike Nichols.  

Response to anomaly: A recent minor debris event highlighted a need for better self-clearing, as reported by Reuters.  

How it works: 

SpaceX will gradually move thousands of its satellites from an altitude of roughly 550 km (the height above the Earth’s surface) to a band at 480 km. This process is called orbital migration.  

The migration takes advantage of increased atmospheric drag at lower altitudes.  

The process is being coordinated with regulators, government agencies overseeing satellite activity, and other space operators to ensure compliance with rules and safety for all satellites in orbit.  

Impact 

This large-scale re-configuration is intended to create a more secure and environmentally friendly Low Earth Orbit environment, demonstrating SpaceX’s pledge to responsible satellite deployment.  

The company announced that lowering the satellites’ orbits will reduce the risk of collisions.  

Starlink will gradually lower thousands of its satellites in 2026 to address space safety concerns, the company said.  

SpaceX’s vice-president of engineering, Mike Nichols, said that about 4,400 satellites now orbit at 550 km and will be moved to 480 km over the year.  

Nichols said lowering satellites will cause them to fall to Earth 80% faster. He also said fewer satellites operate at altitudes below 500 km, lowering the risk of collisions.  

Additionally, Nichols also said that lowering the satellites will improve ISS safety by reducing the risk posed by unexpected movements and launches by other companies.  

This action follows a December incident in which SpaceX reported that one of its satellites generated a small amount of debris following an in-orbit event. The debris caused a temporary disruption in communication with a spacecraft operating at 418 km. SpaceX is investigating the underlying cause to determine whether a satellite malfunction, an external impact, or other factors were involved.  

Expert Reports 200% Increase in SpaceX Collision Incidents. 

The European Space Agency estimates that 40,000 objects are currently in Low Earth Orbit below 2,000 km. Highlighting the crowded environment, Starlink satellites must navigate to avoid collisions.  

Of these, only 11,000 are active payloads or satellites, and more than 9,300 are SpaceX satellites, according to December data from astronomer Jonathan McDowell. This underscores why Starlink’s planned altitude changes aim to address collision safety.  

The ESA also reports that more than 1.2 million objects larger than 1 cm are in space, which it says could cause catastrophic damage.  

Satellites use data from trackers like the US Space Command to change course if they come too close to other objects.  

Hugh Lewis, an aeronautics professor, found SpaceX changed course 144,404 times between December 2004 and May 2005, a 200% increase from the previous six months.  

Lewis attributed the rise in collisions to the expanding Starlink fleet and the growing number of objects in orbit.  

Starlink will lower all satellites currently orbiting at approximately 550 km to 480 km throughout 2026, according to SpaceX’s vice president of Starlink engineering.  

The company aims to enhance space safety by lowering the orbits of its satellites.  

The decision follows a December incident in which Starlink reported an anomaly on one of its satellites, resulting in a small amount of debris and a loss of communication with the spacecraft at an altitude of 418 kilometers. Such kinetic incidents are rare for the company.  

Starlink explained that the affected satellite, one of nearly 10,000 in its broadband network, rapidly lost 4 km in altitude, suggesting a possible onboard explosion.  

Lowering the satellite, an operational change linked to approval, condenses Starlink orbits and increases safety in several ways, Nichols said on X. He added that there are fewer debris objects and planned constellations below 500 km, which reduces collision risk.  

Earth’s orbit now contains many more spacecraft as organizations rapidly deploy satellites for installed Internet constellations and space-based services, such as communications and Earth imagery.