A rare incident struck Starlink on December 17, 2025, when one of its satellites unexpectedly failed in orbit.
Starlink satellite 35956, operating at an altitude of about 418 kilometres, suddenly stopped responding to ground controllers.
According to SpaceX, the satellite experienced an unexpected anomaly involving its propulsion system.
The propulsion tank vented gas forcefully, lowering the satellite’s orbit by roughly four kilometres.
The event also released a small number of slow-moving debris fragments.
Despite the malfunction, the satellite did not break apart completely. Instead, it began tumbling uncontrollably while remaining largely intact. High-resolution images taken a day later confirmed this. The photos were captured over Alaska by WorldView-3, operated by Westminster-based spatial intelligence firm Vantor. Shot from around 241 kilometres away, the images showed the satellite still holding together.
Independent space trackers observed dozens of nearby objects. This pattern suggested an internal energetic failure rather than a collision with another object. The incident marks a rare fragmentation event in Starlink’s rapidly growing satellite fleet.
No Risk to the Space Station or Earth
SpaceX moved quickly to address safety concerns. The satellite’s orbit remains well below the International Space Station, posing no danger to astronauts. There is also no threat to people on Earth because Starlink satellites operate in very low Earth orbit, atmospheric drag will pull the satellite down quickly. Engineers expect the satellite and debris to reenter the atmosphere within weeks.
During reentry, the hardware will burn up safely, creating a visible but harmless fireball. This rapid decay is a deliberate design choice by Starlink. It helps prevent long-term space debris, unlike higher-altitude satellites that can remain in orbit for decades.
What This Means for Starlink’s Massive Constellation
Starlink now operates more than 9,000 satellites, making it the largest satellite constellation ever deployed.
The network provides internet access to remote regions, disaster zones, and underserved communities worldwide.
Incidents like this highlight the harsh realities of operating in space. Radiation, micrometeoroids, and internal hardware faults can affect even advanced satellite designs. However, Starlink’s low-orbit strategy ensures failures result in quick and clean re-entries.
SpaceX continues to coordinate tracking efforts with NASA and the United States Space Force. Engineers are now investigating the root cause, which may involve a pressure buildup in the propulsion system. Any necessary software or operational fixes will be deployed across the fleet.
While the loss of a single satellite is notable, it does not impact Starlink’s overall service. The incident instead offers valuable data that can improve safety and reliability. As orbital traffic increases, lessons from events like this will play a key role in sustaining large satellite networks. For now, Starlink continues expanding, supporting millions of users worldwide and advancing Elon Musk’s goal of global internet coverage.