SpaceX’s satellite internet arm Starlink is planning a major orbital shift beginning in 2026, aiming to lower the altitude of a significant portion of its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The move is designed to improve space safety, reduce long-term debris risks, and ensure faster natural deorbiting if satellites fail.

Addressing Growing Space Traffic Concerns

As Earth’s orbit becomes increasingly crowded with satellites from multiple operators, regulators and astronomers have raised concerns about collision risks and orbital congestion. By operating at lower altitudes, Starlink satellites would re-enter Earth’s atmosphere more quickly at the end of their lifespan, minimizing the chances of becoming dangerous space junk.

What “Lower Orbit” Really Means

Currently, many Starlink satellites operate at altitudes ranging roughly between 500 and 600 kilometers. The proposed plan would see future generations orbiting several tens of kilometers lower. While the difference may seem small, it significantly shortens orbital decay time—from years to just months—if a satellite loses propulsion.

Benefits Beyond Safety

Lower orbits can also improve network performance. Reduced distance between satellites and users on the ground can lead to:

• Lower latency for gaming, video calls, and cloud services

• Improved signal strength in challenging environments

• Faster handoffs between satellites

However, operating closer to Earth requires more frequent propulsion adjustments to counter atmospheric drag, increasing technical complexity.

Regulatory and Environmental Pressure

Space agencies and regulators worldwide are pushing satellite operators to adopt stricter debris-mitigation strategies. Starlink’s plan aligns with emerging international guidelines that encourage responsible satellite disposal and sustainable use of orbital space.

Impact on the Satellite Internet Race

Starlink’s move could set a new industry benchmark, especially as rivals like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and OneWeb prepare large-scale deployments. A successful transition to lower orbits may give Starlink both a safety and performance edge, reinforcing its leadership in the satellite broadband market.

Looking Ahead to 2026

While technical details are still being refined, SpaceX has signaled that upcoming satellite generations will be designed specifically for lower-orbit operations. If implemented as planned, the strategy could mark a significant shift in how mega-constellations balance connectivity, safety, and sustainability in space.