Elon Musk’s Starlink program has long been surrounded by controversy, with more than 8,000 satellites now in orbit to power its global internet service. Over the years, concerns have ranged from claims about ozone damage to fears that solar storms could knock satellites offline. But recent reports point to a potentially more serious threat.
According to the Associated Press, Russia may be developing a new anti-satellite system aimed at constellations like Starlink. The network could be a specific target because it provides internet access to Ukraine.
The reports suggest the idea involves releasing thousands of small pellets into the same orbit used by Starlink satellites — a tactic that echoes long-standing warnings from scientists about the dangers of overcrowding Earth’s orbit with debris.
If carried out, such a move wouldn’t just affect Starlink. Uncontrolled space debris would pose a risk to every satellite in its path, including Russia’s own. Once released, there would be no way to control what gets hit, potentially reshaping how future space operations are conducted. This comes on top of existing risks, as aging satellites already create hazards when they begin to fall back toward Earth.
The impact would also extend beyond Ukraine. Countries like Lebanon rely on Starlink for internet access, meaning any disruption could affect civilians far from the conflict zone. Whether Russia follows through remains uncertain, but the possibility of adding even more debris to an already crowded orbit is raising serious concerns among scientists who say Earth’s space environment is already under strain.