Archive · 15 Dec 2025
Starlink Satellite Narrowly Avoids Close Call
A Starlink satellite almost had a dangerous close encounter with a satellite launched by a Chinese company.
The two satellites came very close to each other in space, about 200 meters apart.
This happened because the Chinese company did not share important information about where their satellite would be.
SpaceX, the company that owns Starlink, said this shows how important it is for satellite operators to talk to each other to avoid accidents.
The Chinese company said they are looking into the situation and want to make sure space is used safely.
An expert who watches satellites said the explanation from the Chinese company seems reasonable, but it's still important for everyone to share information to keep space safe.
A Starlink satellite narrowly avoided a close encounter with a Chinese satellite, passing within 200 meters.
The incident occurred on December 12 over the eastern Pacific at an altitude of 560 km.
SpaceX alleges the Chinese launch provider, CAS Space, did not share ephemeris data, which predicts a satellite's future position.
CAS Space launched nine satellites earlier in the week using its Kinetica-1/Lijian-1 rocket.
CAS Space responded by seeking more information from SpaceX and stressed the importance of safe and responsible use of space.
- Who
- Starlink satellite (Starlink-6079) and a satellite launched by CAS Space
- What
- A close call in orbit where a Chinese satellite passed within 200 meters of a Starlink satellite
- When
- December 12
- Where
- Over the eastern Pacific at an altitude of 560 km
- Why
- Due to a lack of shared ephemeris data, which predicts a satellite's future position, leading to poor communication between satellite operators
- Satellite Involved
- Starlink-6079
- Distance of Close Call
- 200 meters
- Altitude of Incident
- 560 km
- Date of Incident
- December 12
- Launch Provider
- CAS Space
- Rocket Used
- Kinetica-1/Lijian-1
- Number of Satellites Launched
- 9