Satellites
Starlink lowers orbits of thousands of satellites for space safety
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SpaceX's Starlink plans to lower the orbits of about 4,400 satellites from 342 miles to 298 miles this year to enhance space safety amid growing orbital congestion. The move, announced by engineering vice president Michael Nicholls, aims to reduce collision risks and speed up deorbiting during the approaching solar minimum. It follows recent near-misses and a satellite anomaly, highlighting challenges in low-Earth orbit.
SpaceX has filed an unprecedented request with the US Federal Communications Commission to launch one million satellites designed as orbital data centres to power artificial intelligence. The proposal, outlined by CEO Elon Musk, aims to harness uninterrupted sunlight in space amid rising AI energy demands. Experts question the seriousness of the ambitious plan, citing potential orbital hazards and impacts on astronomy.
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SpaceX has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission to deploy up to one million satellites forming an orbital data center powered by solar energy to meet AI computing demands. The proposed network would vastly exceed current satellite numbers in orbit. The FCC will review the request, likely adjusting the scale as it has in past approvals.
Beijing's representative at a UN Security Council informal meeting initiated by Russia highlighted safety and security risks from SpaceX's Starlink satellites, citing near-misses with the Chinese space station and their use by criminals and terrorists.
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Tesla has filed a patent for a vehicle roof assembly that enables direct satellite communication, hinting at potential Starlink integration. The design uses radio frequency transparent materials to allow antennas to be hidden within the roof structure. This could provide seamless connectivity in areas without cellular coverage.
Muon Space, a California-based startup, announced a partnership with SpaceX to equip its satellites with Starlink terminals, enabling continuous high-speed data links in low-Earth orbit. This marks the first commercial use of Starlink for in-flight connectivity beyond SpaceX itself. The integration aims to drastically reduce data latency for missions like wildfire detection.
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SpaceX achieved a significant milestone on Sunday by launching its 10,000th Starlink satellite during a Falcon 9 mission from California. The company deployed 28 satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base, bringing the total to 10,006 spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. This comes amid rapid expansion of the broadband network, which now serves over 7 million subscribers worldwide.
SpaceX's Starlink performs 300,000 collision-avoidance manoeuvres in 2025
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