Satellite Coordination Crisis: New Risk in Orbit

A Chinese satellite passed within approximately 200 meters of a SpaceX Starlink satellite just days after its launch—a close call that highlights growing dangers in Earth's increasingly crowded orbital environment.

The incident underscores a critical infrastructure problem: with roughly 13,000 active satellites currently orbiting Earth, including about 9,300 from Starlink alone, the lack of real-time coordination and data sharing between operators poses substantial collision risks.

According to statements from the Chinese aerospace sector, current avoidance systems operate primarily during pre-launch phases. Once satellites are deployed, the reliance on shared tracking data and timely communication becomes essential—yet such coordination mechanisms remain fragmented across different operators and nations.

SpaceX has publicly cautioned that inadequate international coordination could transform low Earth orbit into an increasingly hazardous zone. As satellite mega-constellations continue expanding for global internet coverage and communications infrastructure, the question of standardized safety protocols and transparent data sharing becomes more pressing than ever. The near-miss serves as a stark reminder that orbital sustainability requires cooperation, not competition.