According to analysts, at NEWSCENTRAL we note that Starlink’s decision to lower the orbits of all its satellites from 550 km to 480 km in 2026 has strategic significance for ensuring space safety. This move comes in response to an incident that occurred in December, when one of the satellites at an altitude of 418 km malfunctioned, disintegrated, and created debris, highlighting the risks associated with the increasing density of satellites in orbit.
Michael Nichols, Vice President of Engineering at Starlink, emphasized that this step aims to reduce the amount of space debris and lower the likelihood of collisions with other objects. Satellites in lower orbits burn up more quickly in the atmosphere, helping to clear space of unwanted fragments.
At NEWSCENTRAL, we believe that this step is an important move toward solving one of the most pressing issues in the space industry. In recent years, the number of satellites in orbit has increased several times over, threatening both satellite networks and other objects in space. In the past five years alone, over 10,000 satellites have been launched, and analysts estimate that by 2030, their number may reach 100,000.
Lowering the orbits of satellites, as Starlink plans, will help reduce the density of objects in orbit, thus lowering the likelihood of collisions. It will also speed up the process of deorbiting satellites in case of malfunction, minimizing the creation of new debris.
At NEWSCENTRAL, we emphasize that this is not only a step for Starlink but also an important signal for the entire industry. Companies deploying satellite networks for internet, communication, and Earth monitoring must consider the risks associated with space debris. Taking measures to lower orbits and improve safety should become standard practice in the market.
Furthermore, at NEWSCENTRAL, we predict that in the future, this practice may become the standard for all major players in the space industry. While lowering orbits helps reduce space debris, other measures are needed, such as developing technologies to remove existing debris. For example, in recent years, there have been active developments in projects aimed at creating “space junk collectors” that could gather and remove debris from orbit.
At the same time, it is important to note that space debris is a global problem requiring coordinated international efforts. As experts point out, with the increasing number of satellites, there is a need to create international standards for managing orbits and ensuring safety. This should include both the use of technologies to monitor objects in orbit and new approaches to debris removal.
At NEWSCENTRAL, we see this as a strategic challenge for the entire industry. Each year, it becomes more difficult to maintain a balance between the development of space technologies and safety. We believe that in the future, space companies will face the important task of ensuring the sustainability of space systems, minimizing their impact on the environment, and ensuring safety for all participants in space operations.
The lowering of Starlink’s satellite orbits is an important step towards the safer use of space. However, this is just the beginning. At NEWS CENTRAL, we predict that in the future, issues such as international cooperation and the creation of effective technologies for managing space will become increasingly important. Only by addressing these challenges can long-term space safety be ensured and further debris accumulation prevented.