SpaceX recently reported a close encounter between one of its Starlink satellites and a Chinese spacecraft. This incident occurred in Earth’s orbit following the launch of a Chinese Kinetica 1 rocket on December 9 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gobi Desert.
Incident Details
Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering at SpaceX, expressed concern over the lack of coordination among satellite operators. He stated that a Chinese spacecraft came within 200 meters of the STARLINK-6079 satellite at an altitude of 560 kilometers. The incident occurred nearly 48 hours after the Chinese satellite was deployed.
Chinese Spacecraft Launch
The Kinetica 1 rocket, which stands at approximately 30 meters tall, successfully delivered six multifunctional satellites into orbit. These included an Earth-observation satellite for the UAE, a scientific satellite for Egypt, and an educational satellite for Nepal. CAS Space, the operator of the Kinetica 1, asserted that it follows mandatory procedures to avoid collisions during its launches.
Response from CAS Space
- CAS Space is currently investigating the close approach incident.
- The company maintains that it utilizes ground-based systems to ensure safe launch windows.
- They are committed to establishing collaboration with various satellite operators to enhance space safety.
Growing Concerns in Orbital Space
The incident highlights increasing concerns regarding space traffic management, particularly as Earth’s orbit becomes more congested. In 2020, there were fewer than 3,400 operational satellites. By 2025, the number surged to nearly 13,000, with SpaceX operating approximately 9,300 of these satellites.
Collision Avoidance Statistics
To mitigate risks, SpaceX’s Starlink satellites are equipped to autonomously perform evasive maneuvers. In just the first half of 2025, Starlink satellites executed about 145,000 avoidance maneuvers. This averages out to nearly four maneuvers per satellite each month.
Broader Implications
Despite these advanced capabilities, many other satellites lack similar maneuverability. Without shared trajectory data, the risk of collisions remains high. A significant collision could lead to a Kessler syndrome scenario, where debris from one collision triggers further incidents, complicating satellite operations in orbit.
As space traffic continues to grow, the need for improved coordination among satellite operators becomes increasingly critical. Companies and organizations must work together to ensure the safety and sustainability of activities in outer space.
