Elon Musk’s Starlink to Lower Satellite Altitude to Enhance Space Safety
As part of a significant reconfiguration aimed at improving space safety, Starlink, a satellite constellation owned by SpaceX, plans to lower approximately 4,400 of its satellites from 550 km to 480 km in 2026. This move was disclosed by Michael Nicholls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering at SpaceX, in a recent post.
Starlink is currently the largest satellite constellation in the world, providing broadband internet services across multiple regions, including parts of Africa. In Nigeria, Starlink is the second-largest internet service provider, with over 66,500 customers as of Q2 2025, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The decision to lower the satellites’ altitude is designed to condense Starlink’s orbital shells, shorten deorbit times, and reduce collision risks as solar minimum conditions approach. During this period, atmospheric density decreases, causing satellites to remain in orbit longer. By operating at lower altitudes, Starlink aims to minimize long-term risks and improve safety outcomes.
The company will begin lowering all satellites currently operating at around 550 km to approximately 480 km, a process that will span the course of 2026. This move is expected to result in more than an 80% reduction in ballistic decay time during solar minimum, allowing satellites that might otherwise take four years or more to deorbit to re-enter the atmosphere within a few months.
The lower altitude will also reduce the overall probability of orbital collisions, as there are fewer debris objects and planned satellite constellations below 500 km. Starlink’s efforts to enhance space safety are part of a broader initiative to promote the long-term sustainability of low Earth orbit, which has raised global concerns about space debris and collision risks.
The company’s proactive approach to lowering its satellites and coordinating with regulators and other operators positions Starlink as a safety-conscious player in an increasingly crowded orbital environment. As the satellite constellation continues to expand its presence in Africa, including a recent agreement with Airtel Africa to deploy direct-to-cell services, its commitment to space safety is likely to have a positive impact on the continent’s growing connectivity landscape.