SpaceX is initiating a significant reconfiguration of its Starlink satellite constellation, involving the repositioning of approximately 4,400 satellites to lower altitudes throughout 2026. The company, which operates the largest satellite fleet in orbit, will move these satellites from an altitude of 341 miles (550 kilometers) to 298 miles (480 kilometers), according to Michael Nicolls, SpaceX’s vice president of Starlink engineering.
The maneuvers, executed using the Starlink satellites' plasma engines, are designed to enhance space safety, Nicolls stated in a post on X on Thursday. Despite bringing a large portion of orbital traffic closer together, the company believes this reconfiguration will ultimately reduce the risk of collisions in near-Earth space, where satellites travel at speeds approaching 5 miles per second.
The decision to reconfigure the constellation comes as the number of active satellites orbiting Earth exceeded 14,000 by the end of 2025. SpaceX's Starlink constellation accounts for a significant portion of this total, providing internet services globally. The company's investment in the Starlink project is estimated to be in the billions of dollars, with ongoing costs associated with satellite maintenance, launches, and now, this reconfiguration.
The financial implications of this reconfiguration are not yet fully clear, but analysts suggest that the cost of fuel and operational adjustments could be substantial. The move could also impact the performance of the Starlink network, potentially requiring adjustments to ground station infrastructure and user equipment. However, SpaceX anticipates that the increased safety will outweigh these costs in the long run, protecting its investment and ensuring the long-term viability of the Starlink network.
The reconfiguration also comes amid growing concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions in orbit. The U.S. Space Force and other organizations track objects in space to mitigate collision risks, and SpaceX's decision to lower the altitude of its satellites is seen as a proactive step to improve space traffic management. The company has not yet released detailed plans for how the reconfiguration will be implemented, but it is expected to provide further updates in the coming months.
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