SpaceX Starlink Satellite Suffers Anomaly and Falls to Earth

A SpaceX Starlink satellite, designated Starlink 35956, has suffered an anomaly while in orbit, resulting in a loss of communication with the spacecraft. According to reports from Space.com, the incident occurred on December 17, with the satellite's altitude decreasing by approximately 4 kilometers due to what appears to be an internal explosion, as suggested by the venting of the propulsion tank and the subsequent release of several trackable debris pieces.

SpaceX confirmed that the satellite is tumbling and is expected to reenter the Earth's atmosphere within weeks, posing no risk to the International Space Station or its crew. The company is working closely with NASA and the U.S.

Space Force to monitor the situation and ensure safety in the increasingly crowded low Earth orbit, where over 24,000 objects are currently tracked. Leo Labs, a space-tracking company, indicated that the anomaly is likely due to an internal energetic source rather than a collision, highlighting ongoing concerns about satellite safety as SpaceX expands its Starlink constellation, which currently includes nearly 9,300 active satellites, making it the largest satellite operator.

As the satellite constellation grows, so do the risks associated with space debris and potential collisions, especially in an orbit that could see up to 70,000 satellites by the end of the decade. In response to this incident, SpaceX is deploying software updates aimed at increasing protections against similar events in the future.

The company has previously faced challenges with satellite collisions, underscoring the need for robust safety measures in satellite operations.