Lower Orbits Mean Less Debris, Collision Risk, SpaceX Tells IB
Letting 2,824 planned SpaceX non-geostationary orbit satellites operate at lower altitudes of 540 to 570 kilometers (see 2004200003) would mean they would be in orbit only about five years even in a worst-case scenario of loss of altitude control and…
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minimal solar activity, said a SpaceX FCC International Bureau letter Friday. It said the modification would "reduce the risk of collision by orders of magnitude." It said it implemented autonomous conjunction avoidance technology on its satellites and will upgrade that capability as it gains operational experience. It said of the 420 satellites it has launched since May 2019, six lost maneuverability, and the rate of failure has declined with upgraded satellite designs. Staff approved in 2019 lowering the orbit of 1,584 planned SpaceX satellites to 550 kilometers (see 1904260071).