Starlink Satellite Accident in Orbit: SpaceX Loses Control of the Device.

According to ТСН: One of the satellites from the Starlink network owned by SpaceX has suffered a serious accident in orbit and is gradually descending towards Earth. The incident occurred when the device was at an altitude of approximately 418 km.

Starlink noted that due to a failure, communication with the satellite was completely lost. Engine venting, a drop in orbit by about four kilometers, and the ejection of a small amount of debris have also been recorded. All fragments are currently under control and being monitored.

Company representatives do not rule out damage to the satellite's engine. SpaceX is collaborating with NASA and the U.S. Space Force to monitor the situation and the movement of debris. Starlink assures that there is no threat to the International Space Station and its crew, as the satellite's trajectory passes below the ISS orbit.

Condition of the Satellite and Next Steps

According to the company's estimates, the device remains almost intact, but is in a chaotic rotation and will burn up in the Earth's atmosphere within a few weeks. SpaceX engineers are already working to determine the causes of the incident and updating software to reduce the risks of similar failures in the future for other satellites.

Coordination Issues

To date, the Starlink constellation is the largest in the world, with approximately 9,300 active satellites, constituting about 65% of all operational devices in low Earth orbit. Just this year, SpaceX has conducted 122 Starlink missions, during which more than 3,000 new satellites were launched into orbit.

The company also draws attention to coordination problems among space vehicle operators. SpaceX's Vice President of Starlink Engineering, Michael Nichols, reported that recently a satellite launched by a Chinese rocket nearly collided with a Starlink device due to a lack of proper warning and coordinated actions.

Recall that on the night of December 19, the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS will come closest to Earth. While NASA assures the safety of the flight, scientists have modeled a shocking collision scenario that would leave no chances for entire megacities.

This situation with the Starlink satellite underscores the importance of constant monitoring and coordination in space, where incidents can lead to serious consequences. Maintenance and coordination issues between different operators indicate the need to improve the safety system to ensure the continuous operation of satellite networks. Risks associated with the growing number of space vehicles that require a systematic approach to management are being noted.