SpaceX reported on the risk of collision between a Chinese satellite and a Starlink apparatus
SpaceX reported a dangerous close approach of one of the Chinese space vehicles with a Starlink network satellite in low Earth orbit. According to the company, the incident occurred after the launch of the Chinese Kinetica 1 rocket from the Jiuquan spaceport on December 9.
What's known
As reported by SpaceX's vice president of Starlink engineering Michael Nicolls, one of the nine satellites put into orbit passed at a distance of about 200 meters from the STARLINK-6079 satellite at an altitude of approximately 560 km. According to Nicolls, no prior coordination or conflict resolution procedures with the current satellite operators were conducted, which led to the risky approach.
SpaceX emphasized that the lack of exchange of orbital data between operators is one of the key threats to orbital safety, especially considering the rapid growth in the number of satellites around Earth.
The Kinetica 1 rocket operator, CAS Space, responded by stating that it follows mandatory launch verification procedures using ground-based space monitoring systems and is currently conducting its own investigation into the incident. The company also noted that it is ready for further coordination with satellite operators.
Source: SpaceX
