Recently, a Starlink satellite faced an unexpected incident that reminded us of the risks posed by space debris. A malfunction caused the satellite, known as Starlink 35956, to vent its propellant and release debris. This wasn’t due to a collision, but rather an internal issue. Following the event, the satellite lost communication. It had been launched back in November 2025 at an altitude of 418 km. While still intact, it is now tumbling in orbit. Starlink plans for it to reenter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up within weeks.
The current situation is closely monitored. Starlink assured that the satellite’s path won’t endanger the International Space Station or its crew, as it will move below their orbit. Ed Lu, a former astronaut and CEO of LeoLabs, reported that hundreds of debris pieces from the satellite were tracked shortly after the incident. These objects have spread over a distance of 6,000 km in just a few days.
This mishap comes on the heels of a near-miss where a Chinese satellite almost collided with a Starlink vehicle, further emphasizing the overgrown state of low Earth orbit (LEO) and the challenges it brings. With increasing satellite deployments, the risk of accidents escalates. In fact, experts highlight that LEO is becoming cluttered and poses a serious risk for future missions.
Moreover, recent statistics point out that there’s a growing concern about space debris globally. Over 30,000 pieces of debris are currently tracked, and this number continues to rise as more satellites are launched. This situation prompted researchers to propose a “CRASH Clock,” intended to show how close we are to a catastrophic event if collision-avoidance maneuvers stop altogether.
Starlink is taking the incident seriously. Their engineers are working to identify the cause of the anomaly and have already started deploying new software to help prevent similar issues in the future. As we continue to explore space, the importance of monitoring and managing debris cannot be overstated. The future of space travel relies on our ability to navigate these challenges safely.
For more details about space debris and the need for monitoring systems, you can visit resources like NASA for a comprehensive overview.
