SpaceX Reports 260 Starlink Satellites Deorbited, but It's Routine
SpaceX deorbited 260 Starlink satellites over six months, a standard practice to prevent failures. The company performs controlled descents over open oceans, with most burning up, though some components may survive.
In its semi-annual report to the FCC, SpaceX revealed that it deorbited 260 Starlink satellites from December 2025 to May 2026. Of these, 176 were first-generation and 84 were larger second-generation models. While the number seems high, it's not unusual – the company deorbited 406 satellites in 2024 after discovering a common flaw, and nearly 500 from December 2024 to May 2025.
SpaceX satellites are designed to burn up upon reentry. During controlled deorbits, the company targets open oceans away from populated islands and heavy traffic areas. However, SpaceX admits that some components, such as silicon from V2 mini solar cells, may survive. The company estimates that only about 5% of a satellite's mass could reach the ground as small fragments with negligible impact energy.
Rather than waiting for satellites to fail and fall naturally, SpaceX proactively deorbits them. According to Orbital Radar, there are currently over 9,500 active Starlink satellites in orbit. SpaceX recently applied to the FCC for permission to launch a million satellites for an orbital data center for AI.
SpaceX is lowering all satellites from 550 km to 480 km to improve safety, reduce collision risks, and serve higher customer density. FCC rules require deorbit within five years of mission completion.
Scientists are still studying the environmental impact. Burning organic materials release soot, and aluminum may turn into aluminum oxide, potentially harming the ozone layer, but the threat is not yet considered severe.
