Starlink to reduce height of satellites in 2026, wants more security

Starlink is planning a significant change in the management of its satellite network in 2026. All satellites will be reduced from 550 kilometres to around 480. The aim is to increase safety and reduce the risk of collisions in a crowded orbit.

The decision came after an incident in December when one of the nearly 10,000 satellites experienced an anomaly and created a small amount of debris. According to SpaceX, an onboard explosion may have been behind it, as the satellite suddenly plummeted four kilometres.

The company's vice president Michael Nicolls explained that there is less debris and planned constellations below the 500-kilometre mark, making accidents less likely. The denser distribution of satellites at lower altitudes is also supposed to bring greater safety.

The Starlink constellation, which is used to provide broadband internet, is the largest in the world.

(reuters, pir)