tech
January 3, 2026
SpaceX begins “significant reconfiguration” of Starlink satellite constellation
“Biggest advantage of lower altitude is that beam diameter is smaller for a given antenna size.”
TL;DR
- SpaceX will lower the orbit of 4,400 Starlink satellites from 550 km to 480 km in 2026.
- This maneuver is intended to increase space safety and reduce collision risks.
- Lowering the altitude will allow defunct satellites to reenter the atmosphere and burn up more quickly.
- The change is also expected to improve Starlink's internet performance and latency.
- The declining solar cycle reduces atmospheric drag, making lower orbits more suitable for natural deorbiting.
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