Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jan 5: SpaceX-owned Starlink is set to make a significant change in the positioning of its satellites, a move aimed not at improving internet speeds but at addressing growing concerns over space debris as competition in orbit intensifies.

According to a Reuters report, Starlink satellites currently operate at an altitude of around 550 km above Earth. SpaceX now plans to gradually lower this orbit to about 480 km, with the transition expected to take place through 2026. The shift will be carried out in phases, given the sheer scale of the satellite network.

The decision to move below the 500 km mark is driven by safety considerations, as this region of space is relatively less congested with debris. Operating at a lower altitude is expected to reduce the risk of collisions with other satellites and space junk, allowing safer and more controlled operations.

The move comes amid warnings from regulators and experts about rising traffic in Earth’s orbit, as multiple private companies and countries race to establish a presence in space. SpaceX’s initiative could encourage other players to reassess satellite placement or explore alternative orbital zones to ease congestion.

While the change is not expected to bring any noticeable improvement in Starlink’s internet speeds or coverage, operating closer to Earth could offer better control over satellite systems, particularly in emergency or failure scenarios.

Meanwhile, Starlink continues to eye its entry into the Indian market. The company recently clarified that leaked details about its data plans and pricing in India were not final, stating that it is still evaluating suitable offerings for the country.