Space Safety: The Impact of a Near-Miss Between Satellites

In a significant development in the realm of space safety, a recent close encounter between a Chinese satellite and a SpaceX Starlink satellite has prompted a major shift in the operational strategy of the US-based company. On December 10, 2025, the two satellites passed within approximately 200 meters (656 feet) of each other, raising alarms about the potential risks associated with the increasing density of satellites in Earth’s orbit.

The incident occurred shortly after a launch from northwestern China, where a high-resolution Earth imaging satellite was deployed alongside eight other payloads aboard a Kinetica-1 rocket. According to Michael Nicolls, SpaceX’s vice-president of engineering, the company recognized the potential hazards of such close encounters. In a social media post three weeks later, Nicolls announced plans to lower nearly half of SpaceX’s operational fleet of over 9,000 satellites from an altitude of about 550 kilometers (340 miles) to 480 kilometers. This strategic maneuver aims to enhance safety in space by reducing the likelihood of future collisions.

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Software have been closely monitoring the situation. They noted that while no collision occurred during the December near-miss, the event was unsettling enough to directly influence SpaceX’s decision to adjust the orbits of its satellites. The team utilized their mega-constellation research platform to identify the orbital paths of the satellites involved, highlighting the need for increased vigilance as satellite constellations proliferate.

As the number of satellites in orbit continues to grow, the potential for close encounters and collisions also rises. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of space traffic management and the need for collaborative efforts among nations and companies to ensure the safety of both operational satellites and the future of space exploration.

SpaceX’s proactive approach in response to this near-miss illustrates a growing recognition within the aerospace community of the need for rigorous safety protocols. As we look to the future, the lessons learned from this incident may shape the way satellite operators manage their fleets, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and secure environment in space.