Starlink has unveiled its plans for managing low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellites. Michael Nicolls, Starlink's Vice President of Engineering, stated that the company is downgrading approximately 4,400 Starlink satellites from an altitude of 550 kilometers to 480 kilometers throughout 2026, in collaboration with service providers and regulatory agencies.
This downgrade will shorten orbits and increase satellite density, which Starlink says improves safety in space in several ways. For example, it reduces the decay time of space debris by 80%, from an average of four years to months. Furthermore, space debris is significantly reduced to altitudes below 500 kilometers, decreasing the likelihood of collisions.
Starlink has unveiled its plans for managing low Earth orbit (LEO) communications satellites. Michael Nicolls, Starlink's Vice President of Engineering, stated that the company is downgrading approximately 4,400 Starlink satellites from an altitude of 550 kilometers to 480 kilometers throughout 2026, in collaboration with service providers and regulatory agencies.
This downgrade will shorten orbits and increase satellite density, which Starlink says improves safety in space in several ways. For example, it reduces the decay time of space debris by 80%, from an average of four years to months. Furthermore, space debris is significantly reduced to altitudes below 500 kilometers, decreasing the likelihood of collisions.
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