SpaceX disposed of 260 Starlink satellites by vaporization in Earth's atmosphere, citing controlled de-orbiting practices. This has prompted growing concerns about the environmental impact of satellite disposal, with researchers advocating for regulatory studies, while the FCC proposes to exclude satellites from environmental reviews.
SpaceX reported in a recent FCC filing that it disposed of 260 Starlink satellites between December 2025 and May 2026.
Of these, 176 were first-generation satellites, with the remainder being second-generation models.
Starlink satellites have a lifespan of about 5 years, after which they are designed to de-orbit.
The satellites use remaining fuel for a controlled descent, incinerating them upon re-entry into the atmosphere.
SpaceX operates over 10,000 Starlink satellites and is planning to expand to 42,000.
During the specified period, over 472 satellite links were removed from orbit, with multiple units disposed of daily.
The safety of this disposal method has raised environmental concerns about its impact on the atmosphere.
Researchers suggest further studies to understand the ecological effects of burning these satellites.
Historically, the FCC has excluded satellite operations from environmental reviews to promote space activities.
A new proposal suggests that satellite operations may be categorized as 'extraterritorial,' potentially avoiding NEPA oversight.
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SpaceX disposed of 260 Starlink satellites by vaporization in Earth's atmosphere, citing controlled de-orbiting practices. This has prompted growing concerns about the environmental impact of satellite disposal, with researchers advocating for regulatory studies, while the FCC proposes to exclude satellites from environmental reviews.