SpaceX is lowering Starlink satellites from 550 km to 480 km in 2026 to reduce collision risks after a 2025 anomaly.

In 2026, SpaceX will gradually lower Starlink satellites from 550 km to 480 km to reduce collision risks and improve space safety. The move follows a December 2025 anomaly at 418 km involving one of the nearly 10,000 satellites, which caused a brief communication loss and possible onboard explosion. Lowering the orbit concentrates the constellation below 500 km, where debris and competing satellites are less common, enhancing deorbiting efficiency and reducing long-term orbital congestion.