Risk of Large-Scale Collisions Heightens for SpaceX’s Starlink Satellites
TechCrunch recently reported that the risk of significant collisions involving SpaceX’s Starlink satellites is on the rise as low Earth orbits become increasingly congested. Consequently, the number of maneuvers required to avoid these satellites is multiplying.
According to Starlink’s disclosure to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), their orbital communications satellites executed over 25,000 orbital adjustments between December 1 of the previous year and May 21 of the current year. This marks a twofold increase in satellite bypass maneuvers compared to previous periods.
What sets SpaceX apart is its stringent satellite maneuvering standards, surpassing those of the aviation industry by a factor of ten. Typically, NASA and other industrial companies resort to satellite adjustments when the collision probability reaches 1 in 10,000. However, SpaceX employs a more cautious approach, initiating maneuvers when the collision risk exceeds 1 in 10.
Notably, more than 1,300 of the aforementioned 25,000 bypasses were performed to avoid debris from a Russian anti-satellite weapons test conducted in November 2021. Alarmingly, approximately nine percent of the debris from this test remains in orbit, posing a constant threat to Starlink satellites.
As the frequency of collision avoidance maneuvers escalates, SpaceX finds itself launching a greater number of Starlink satellites. Just recently, they revealed that an additional 457 satellites have been deployed into orbit.
Further compounding concerns surrounding Starlink’s presence, a study published in the prestigious Astronomy and Astrophysics journal highlighted unintended electromagnetic radiation emitted by these satellites, potentially interfering with astronomical research efforts.
As the sky becomes increasingly crowded with these orbital objects, the need for proactive regulations and comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks intensifies. While SpaceX has adopted precautionary measures, the overall satellite environment necessitates continued vigilance and collaborative action to safeguard the integrity and functionality of Earth’s low orbit.
Starlink satellite orbit photo taken through a telescope [사진: 국제천문연맹]
[디지털투데이 AI리포터] IT Media TechCrunch reported on the 10th (local time) that the risk of a large-scale collision of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites is increasing. As low Earth orbits become crowded, the number of maneuvers to avoid Starlink satellites also increases.
Starlink told the Federal Communications Commission that SpaceX’s orbital communications satellites performed more than 25,000 bypasses between December 1 of last year and May 21 of last year. Compared to the past, Starlink’s satellite bypass maneuvers have doubled.
SpaceX is known to have about 10 times stricter satellite maneuvering standards than the aviation industry standards. NASA and other industrial companies operate when the probability of collision is 1 in 10,000, but SpaceX satellites operate when the probability of collision is greater than 1 in 10.
More than 1,300 of 25,000 Starlink satellites were performed to avoid debris from a Russian anti-satellite weapons test in November 2021. Nine percent of the debris from this test remains in orbit, threatening Starlink satellites.
As the frequency of collision avoidance maneuvers increases, so does the number of Starlink satellite launches. SpaceX recently reported that they have added 457 satellites into orbit.
According to a study published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, Starlink satellites emit unintended electromagnetic radiation that could affect astronomical research.
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