SpaceX lowering orbits of 4,400 Starlink satellites for safety's sake
Recorded: Jan. 22, 2026, 11:03 a.m.
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SpaceX lowering orbits of 4,400 Starlink satellites for safety's sake | Space
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Share Share by: Copy link X Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter We'll see a mass migration of SpaceX Starlink satellites this year.All Starlink broadband spacecraft currently orbiting 342 miles (550 kilometers) or so above Earth — about 4,400 satellites — will descend to an altitude of roughly 298 miles (480 km) over the course of 2026.There are two main reasons for the move, according to Michael Nicolls, vice president of Starlink engineering at SpaceX, who announced the plan via X on Thursday (Jan. 1). You may like A SpaceX Starlink satellite is tumbling and falling out of space after partial breakup in orbit Starlink satellites: Facts, tracking and impact on astronomy Spacecraft from Chinese launch nearly slammed into Starlink satellite, SpaceX says "As solar mininum approaches, atmospheric density decreases, which means the ballistic decay time at any given altitude increases — lowering will mean a >80% reduction in ballistic decay time in solar minimum, or 4+ years reduced to a few months," Nicolls wrote in his X post. "Correspondingly, the number of debris objects and planned satellite constellations is significantly lower below 500 km, reducing the aggregate likelihood of collision."Solar activity waxes and wanes on an 11-year cycle. We likely just passed through the maximum phase of the current one, known as Solar Cycle 25. (Scientists have been tracking these cycles diligently since 1755, when the numbering system began.) The next solar minimum is expected in 2030 or thereabouts.As Nicolls noted, the atmospheric changes wrought by solar activity are of great interest and importance to satellite operators. An active sun causes a thicker atmosphere, which increases frictional drag on spacecraft and brings them down faster. Low solar activity has the opposite effect. The downward migration in 2026 involves roughly half of SpaceX's Starlink megaconstellation, which currently consists of nearly 9,400 operational spacecraft (though that number is always growing). The fleet is highly reliable; there are just two dead Starlinks currently in orbit, according to Nicolls.Get the Space.com NewsletterBreaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."Nevertheless, if a satellite does fail on orbit, we want it to deorbit as quickly as possible," he wrote. "These actions will further improve the safety of the constellation, particularly with difficult-to-control risks such as uncoordinated maneuvers and launches by other satellite operators."Low earth orbit (LEO) is getting increasingly crowded these days. Starlink is the main driving factor; about two-thirds of all operational satellites belong to the megaconstellation. But other giant networks are being assembled as well. For example, China has begun building out two LEO internet constellations, each of which will each feature more than 10,000 spacecraft if all goes to plan. Mike WallSocial Links NavigationSenior Space WriterMichael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter. 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SpaceX is undertaking a significant operational adjustment to its Starlink satellite constellation, primarily driven by safety considerations. As announced by SpaceX engineering vice president Michael Nicolls via X (formerly Twitter), the company intends to lower the orbits of approximately 4,400 Starlink satellites from their current altitude of 342 miles (550 kilometers) to roughly 298 miles (480 km) by 2026. This strategic maneuver directly addresses the escalating risks associated with operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), a region increasingly congested with satellites. The foundational rationale behind this shift stems from the predictable fluctuations in atmospheric density, directly linked to solar activity. During periods of low solar irradiance – a phase known as a solar minimum – the atmosphere becomes noticeably thinner. This reduced density translates into a prolonged “ballistic decay” time for satellites in orbit; essentially, they will take longer to deorbit naturally due to atmospheric drag. Lowering the satellites’ orbits, therefore, dramatically shortens this decay time, reducing the risk of long-term orbital instability. Nicolls estimates a greater than 80% reduction in ballistic decay time during solar minimum, projecting a lifespan of merely months rather than several years. This initiative is a preemptive response to the growing threat of space debris and potential collisions. The higher the orbit, the longer a satellite remains vulnerable to collisions with other objects, including operational satellites and defunct debris. By maneuvering to a lower altitude, SpaceX seeks to minimize the probability of such incidents. This is particularly crucial given the increased number of satellite constellations being deployed, including the massive planned expansions of Starlink itself and other networks like China’s. Reducing the aggregate risk associated with operating in a crowded orbital environment is paramount. Specifically, the 2026 migration will affect roughly half of the current Starlink fleet, a substantial portion of the approximately 9,400 operational satellites. It is noteworthy that only two Starlinks currently reside in orbit, illustrating the operational reliability of the system. The move underlines SpaceX’s commitment to proactively mitigating the inherent challenges of operating in LEO. Nicolls emphasizes that prioritizing satellite safety will ultimately improve the sustainability of the Starlink network, particularly as the company continues to expand its reach and services. This planned orbital adjustment represents a forward-thinking approach to space operations, anticipating and addressing potential hazards with a focus on enhanced safety and long-term stability. |