A SpaceX Starlink satellite is tumbling and falling out of space after partial breakup in orbit

Space.comThursday, December 18, 2025 at 7:51:11 PM
NegativeScience
A SpaceX Starlink satellite is tumbling and falling out of space after partial breakup in orbit
  • A SpaceX Starlink satellite experienced a significant anomaly in orbit on December 17, leading to its partial breakup and subsequent tumbling out of space. This incident raises concerns about the operational integrity of the Starlink satellite constellation, which is crucial for providing global internet coverage.
  • The failure of this satellite could impact SpaceX's reputation and operational capabilities, as the company relies on a robust network of satellites to deliver its broadband services. Maintaining the reliability of its satellite fleet is essential for sustaining customer trust and competitive advantage in the satellite internet market.
  • This event underscores the increasing challenges of managing satellite operations in a congested low Earth orbit, where the risk of collisions and operational anomalies is rising. As SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink network, the need for effective space traffic management and safety protocols becomes increasingly critical to prevent future incidents.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
US Senate confirms billionaire Musk ally Jared Isaacman as Nasa chief
PositiveScience
The U.S. Senate has confirmed billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA's 15th administrator with a vote of 67-30. Isaacman, a private astronaut and advocate for Mars missions, was nominated by former President Donald Trump and previously faced a nomination attempt that was withdrawn earlier this year. His confirmation follows a second Senate hearing where he emphasized the need for NASA to accelerate its efforts in lunar exploration to maintain U.S. leadership in space.
SpaceX launches Starlink missions in dual-coast spaceflight doubleheader (videos)
PositiveScience
SpaceX successfully launched two Falcon 9 rockets carrying Starlink satellites on December 17, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This dual-coast launch highlights the company's ongoing commitment to expanding its satellite internet service across the globe.
Experiments on a private space station: Vast asks scientists for research proposals
PositiveScience
Vast, a California startup, has announced a call for scientific research proposals to be conducted aboard its Haven-1 private space station, which is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX rocket next year. This initiative aims to attract innovative research that can leverage the unique environment of space for scientific advancements.

Ready to build your own newsroom?

Subscribe to unlock a personalised feed, podcasts, newsletters, and notifications tailored to the topics you actually care about