SpaceX urges better orbit coordination after Starlink near-misses

SpaceX’s Michael Nicolls has called for improved data-sharing among satellite operators to prevent collisions in low-Earth orbit. With Starlink’s 11,000 satellites making up two-thirds of active spacecraft in this region, and plans for even larger constellations, the risk of collision and subsequent space debris is increasing. While the daily risk is low, the sheer number of satellites means collisions are inevitable without better coordination. Currently, there are no global treaties or regulations mandating location broadcasts or coordination among operators, leaving it up to individual entities to establish norms.