Near Collision: Starlink Sattelite's Close Call with Chinese Launch

In an astonishing near-miss event high above Earth’s atmosphere, a recent Chinese launch almost collided with a Starlink satellite. This startling revelation comes as nations grapple with the growing congestion of our orbital neighborhood.

The Close Shave

On a seemingly ordinary day, a Chinese launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwestern China saw the deployment of nine satellites. Amidst these seemingly routine operations lay a potential catastrophe. According to Michael Nicolls, vice president of Starlink engineering at SpaceX, one of these satellites came within a hair-raising 200 meters of STARLINK-6079 at an altitude of 560 km. In the vast expanse of space, such a close brush is nothing short of perilous.

Nicolls pointed out the worrying absence of coordination or deconfliction efforts with existing orbiters, highlighting a glaring risk in our current satellite operations. It’s clear, as Nicolls emphasized, that “most of the risk of operating in space comes from the lack of coordination between satellite operators”—a challenge that must be addressed urgently.

Unfettered Space, Unfettered Risks

Space is vast, yet the journey to decluttering the skies is fraught with complexities, none more apparent than in the competition to occupy it. According to a report hinted at by Nicolls, China’s CAS Space was behind this near-miss—a reminder that the dance of satellites demands an unprecedented level of international cooperation.

Seeking Solutions

The space around Earth is becoming increasingly crowded, and this event underscores the urgent need for enhanced diplomatic channels and agreements among spacefaring nations. With the proliferation of satellites, the stakes are high, calling for robust systems to ensure both exploration and safety. As the narrative of this near-miss circulates, it is a clarion call for the international community: collaboration should not just be desired—it is essential.

As stated in The Register, the pressing nature of this issue cannot be overstated. We are all stakeholders in preserving the safety of the cosmos.

A Broader Threat

Nicolls’ plea serves as a crucial reminder of the broader threats at play as nations look to the stars. The cosmos, boundless as it may seem, grows ever more accessible, drawing entrepreneurs and governments alike into its embrace. Yet, with such access comes the responsibility to manage and mitigate risks akin to this recent incident.

In the wake of this near-impact, the cosmic gamble continues. There’s hope that this incident will be a stepping stone to greater cooperation, ensuring that the next meeting between satellites is orchestrated by experts—not chance.

Meanwhile, the world watches, breath bated, as our gateway to space expands ever more. Let us hope, as we journey further into the stars, that collaboration and shared stewardship will light our way.