SpaceX reports a Starlink satellite anomaly

SpaceX disclosed that one of its Starlink satellites experienced an anomaly on December 17, resulting in loss of communications with the vehicle at an altitude of 418 kilometers. The company reported the incident through its Starlink social media account.

The anomaly caused venting of the satellite's propulsion tank and led to a rapid decay in the satellite's semi-major axis by approximately 4 kilometers. The incident also resulted in the release of trackable objects with low relative velocity, according to the company's statement.

SpaceX said it is coordinating with the U.S. Space Force and NASA to monitor the released objects. The satellite, designated as number 35956, remains largely intact but is tumbling and will reenter Earth's atmosphere within weeks, where it will fully demise.

The company stated that the satellite's current trajectory places it below the International Space Station, posing no risk to the orbiting laboratory or its crew.

SpaceX engineers are working to determine the root cause of the anomaly and develop mitigation measures. The company said it is deploying software updates to its satellite fleet to increase protections against similar events.

The information was provided in a company statement posted on social media platform X.

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