A rare malfunction involving a SpaceX Starlink satellite has renewed concerns about space safety as Elon Musk’s company continues to dominate global launch activity.
Earlier this week, SpaceX said one of its Starlink satellites suffered an in-orbit anomaly that caused a loss of communications and the release of a small amount of debris. The satellite was operating at about 418 kilometers above Earth when the incident occurred—an unusual kinetic failure for the network.
In a statement posted on X, Starlink said the satellite is “largely intact,” tumbling, and expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere and fully burn up within weeks. The spacecraft also dropped roughly four kilometers in altitude shortly after the anomaly, suggesting an internal failure rather than an external collision.
SpaceX said it is coordinating with the U.S. Space Force and NASA to track the debris, though it did not disclose how many fragments were created. The company added that the satellite poses no risk to astronauts aboard the International Space Station, as its trajectory remains below the station.
Space-tracking firm LeoLabs reported detecting dozens of objects linked to the incident and said further analysis could reveal more fragments. The firm noted that the rapid altitude drop supports the conclusion that the failure originated onboard.
The event comes as SpaceX’s influence in orbit continues to grow. Data shared by Musk shows the company accounted for the vast majority of orbital payload mass launched from the U.S. in recent months, underscoring how even isolated anomalies now carry broader implications for space safety.