Overview
- Michael Nicolls announced a year-long reconfiguration to move all Starlink satellites operating near 550 kilometers down to about 480 kilometers in 2026.
- SpaceX describes the change as a safety measure that condenses operating shells and places the fleet where fewer debris objects and planned constellations are present.
- The move follows a December incident in which a Starlink satellite at roughly 418 kilometers experienced an anomaly, produced a small amount of debris, and lost communications.
- Nicolls said the lower altitude speeds disposal of failed spacecraft, citing a greater than 80% reduction in ballistic decay time during solar minimum.
- Starlink now comprises nearly 10,000 satellites, and India Today reported the reconfiguration is being coordinated with regulators, other operators, and U.S. Space Command.