Starlink will lower thousands of satellites for space safety reasons.

Starlink announced it will lower about 4,400 satellites from roughly 342 miles to 298 miles after a recent satellite anomaly and a near collision; the company says the change aims to cut collision risk and shorten how long objects remain in orbit.

Starlink announced a plan to move many of its satellites to lower orbits following a recent satellite mishap and a reported near miss with another satellite. The company’s engineering vice president, Michael Nicholls, described the change in a post on X and said it is part of a “significant reconfiguration” of the constellation. The adjustment would lower roughly 4,400 satellites from about 342 miles to about 298 miles in altitude. Nicholls cited the near collision, a tumbling satellite anomaly, and the current solar minimum as factors behind the decision. Key details: - Starlink plans to lower about 4,400 satellites, roughly half of its active fleet of more than 9,000 satellites. - The intended altitude change is from about 342 miles to about 298 miles above Earth. - The announcement followed a satellite that tumbled after an anomaly and a separately reported near miss of roughly 200 meters with a Chinese satellite. - Starlink says lowering the satellites will reduce aggregate collision likelihood and shorten ballistic decay time from 4-plus years to a few months. Summary: Starlink says it will begin reconfiguring its constellation to lower many satellites with the stated goals of reducing collision risk and shortening orbital decay times. Undetermined at this time.