SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, known for delivering high-speed, low-latency internet worldwide, is currently in the process of deorbiting older satellites as part of its commitment to space safety and sustainability. This initiative aims to ensure that satellites burn up completely upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, leaving no hazardous debris behind.
The decision to deorbit these older satellites was made in 2024 when SpaceX identified a potential hardware issue in some of its early V1 Starlink satellites. To prevent any potential failures in the future, the company chose to proactively remove these satellites from orbit. By the end of 2025, SpaceX aims to have zero failed satellites left in orbit, reducing the risk of space debris and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its satellite network.
Unlike uncontrolled reentries, where satellites fall naturally over time, Starlink employs a method called controlled, propulsive deorbiting to guide its satellites back down. This approach allows the satellites to maintain control and avoid collisions with other spacecraft while descending.
To ensure a safe reentry process, Starlink follows a “belt-and-suspenders” approach by taking extra precautions beyond what is required. This includes targeted reentry to break up satellites over the open ocean, aerodynamic drag control using solar panels to guide the satellites into the atmosphere, and conducting testing and modeling to simulate extreme heat conditions during reentry.
In a notable incident in Saskatchewan, Canada, on August 20, 2024, a piece of aluminum debris from a Starlink satellite was found on a farm. This was the first known case of a Starlink satellite fragment surviving reentry and reaching the ground. In response, SpaceX has updated its demisability models and is refining satellite designs to further reduce the chances of debris surviving reentry.
Despite this incident, Starlink’s deorbiting process is considered safe, with the risk of injury from falling debris well below the U.S. government’s safety standard. To further enhance safety, SpaceX is making hardware adjustments to limit the size of components that could survive reentry, such as silicon from solar panels.
Looking ahead, Starlink plans to continue expanding its satellite network while prioritizing responsible satellite disposal. This includes improving satellite design to ensure even smaller fragments survive reentry, sharing updated modeling data with other satellite operators, and developing better tracking systems to predict safe reentry zones more accurately.
With over 6,750 satellites in orbit, Starlink is setting a new industry standard for how mega-constellations should be responsibly managed in space. As SpaceX continues its deorbiting process, the company remains committed to ensuring the safety and sustainability of its satellite network for years to come.