SpaceX deorbits 260 Starlink satellites in six months, raising environmental concerns over atmospheric impacts
By
Etiido Uko
Summary
SpaceX confirmed in an FCC report that it intentionally deorbited and vaporized 260 Starlink satellites between December 2025 and May 2026, with 176 from the first-generation constellation and the rest from the second generation. An additional 349 satellites were decommissioned and await disposal. The article raises environmental concerns about burning 2,700-pound orbital data centers in Earth's atmosphere, noting that the FCC is seeking to exempt satellites from environmental regulations, potentially avoiding required environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Source
bskySpaceX deorbits 260 Starlink satellites in six months, raising environmental concerns over atmospheric impactsshare.googleKey quotes
· 3 pulledSpaceX has confirmed in a semi-annual report submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this month that it disposed of 260 Starlink satellites between December 2025 and May 2026, intentionally vaporizing them via re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
176 of these satellites belonged to the first-generation Starlink constellation, with the rest belonging to the second generation.
An additional 349 satellites were decommissioned within that 6-month period and will be disposed of in the coming months.
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