SpaceX Alleges Collision Risk with Chinese Satellite

SpaceX has raised concerns about a potential collision risk involving one of its Starlink satellites and a satellite deployed by China. According to SpaceX, a Chinese satellite veered relatively close to Starlink-6079, which has been operational for over two years.

SpaceX's Nicolls reported a close approach of 200 meters, or 656 feet, at an altitude of 560 kilometers, emphasizing that there appeared to be no coordination or deconfliction between the satellite operators.

The Chinese launch provider, CAS Space, responded by stating that once satellites are deployed, they have no control over their maneuvers. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell commented that CAS Space's response was reasonable, noting that two days post-launch is typically beyond the risk prediction window.

However, he also highlighted the importance of coordination among satellite operators as Earth’s orbit becomes increasingly congested. The number of functional satellites has surged from fewer than 3,400 in 2020 to approximately 13,000 in 2025, with SpaceX operating nearly 9,300 Starlink satellites.

Notably, Starlink satellites autonomously perform avoidance maneuvers to prevent collisions, having executed around 145,000 such maneuvers in the first half of 2025 alone. Yet, the lack of trajectory data sharing by other spacecraft operators can still pose a risk.

Experts warn that even a single collision could lead to the Kessler syndrome, a catastrophic cascade of debris that would threaten satellite operations in space.