SpaceX: Here's Why Starlink Poses No Orbital Hazard
SpaceX is pushing back on worries the company’s Starlink network will one day crowd Earth’s orbit with too many satellites.
SpaceX on Tuesday published a 2,100-word statement on its website that lays out why it believes Starlink will never litter Earth’s orbit with space junk or cause orbital collisions with other satellites. The company also says it’s been sharing all orbital data from the existing Starlink network with governments and other satellite providers.
“SpaceX is striving to be the world’s most open and transparent satellite operator,” the company added, “and we encourage other operators to join us in sharing orbital data and keeping the public and governments updated with detailed information about operations and practices.”
The post comes as SpaceX is seeking FCC clearance to operate a second-generation Starlink network, which will span nearly 30,000 satellites, making it far and above the largest satellite constellation ever.
The second-generation network promises to help SpaceX offer high-speed satellite internet to millions of users, especially in rural and remote regions. However, last month NASA told the FCC it has some concerns about the proposed Starlink network colliding with other satellites, pointing to its vast size.
NASA’s other worry is that the second-gen Starlink network will prevent future missions to the International Space Station and make it harder for telescopes to study the Earth’s climate and detect near-Earth asteroids. That said, the space agency isn’t necessarily against the second-gen Starlink network, but it's calling on SpaceX to supply more information about it.
Meanwhile, other satellite internet providers have told the FCC that the second-gen Starlink network’s massive
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