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SpaceX Lowers 4,000 Satellites After Near-Miss Incident

1/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences say a near-miss between a Chinese satellite and a SpaceX Starlink device prompted SpaceX to lower over 4,000 satellites to a safer orbit.
The incident occurred on December 10, with the satellites passing within 200 meters of each other.
SpaceX Vice-President of Engineering Michael Nicolls confirmed plans to lower about half of SpaceX's 9,000 satellites from 550 km to 480 km.

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Story summary

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences say a near-miss between a Chinese satellite and a SpaceX Starlink device prompted SpaceX to lower over 4,000 satellites to a safer orbit.
The incident occurred on December 10, with the satellites passing within 200 meters of each other.
SpaceX Vice-President of Engineering Michael Nicolls confirmed plans to lower about half of SpaceX's 9,000 satellites from 550 km to 480 km.