Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink has announced plans to lower the orbit of its entire satellite fleet in 2026, aiming to improve space safety by reducing collision and debris risks. The satellites will gradually move from about 550 kilometres to nearly 480 kilometres above Earth.
The decision was confirmed by senior Starlink engineering leadership, which explained that operating at a lower altitude will make the satellite network more compact and easier to manage. As a result, satellites that fail will also deorbit faster, limiting long-term space debris.
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This move follows a rare incident in December 2025 when one Starlink satellite suffered an anomaly that created a small amount of debris and disrupted communications. The satellite rapidly lost altitude, suggesting an internal malfunction that raised broader concerns about orbital congestion.
Lowering the satellites is expected to significantly reduce collision risks because fewer spacecraft and debris fragments operate below the 500-kilometre range. Experts note that denser satellite traffic at higher orbits increases the chance of chain-reaction collisions in space.
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In recent years, Earth’s orbit has become increasingly crowded as companies and governments deploy large satellite constellations for internet, communications, and Earth observation services. Consequently, space safety has emerged as a growing global concern requiring proactive technical solutions.
SpaceX, now the world’s largest satellite operator, runs nearly 10,000 Starlink satellites providing broadband internet worldwide. With this orbital adjustment, the company aims to balance rapid expansion with responsible space operations in an increasingly congested environment.