# SpaceX Urges Satellite Operators to Share Data After Starlink Near-Misses

By Simon Yoon

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/28628
Published: 2026-10-09T00:57:42.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-09T00:57:42.000Z
Section: Technology

> Some close approaches involving Starlink satellites came within tens to hundreds of meters, Nicolls said at an Oct. 6 presentation.

SpaceX is urging satellite operators to share trajectory data more consistently after close approaches brought some spacecraft within tens to hundreds of meters of Starlink satellites.

Michael Nicolls, a SpaceX Starlink executive, described the encounters at an Oct. 6 presentation during the International Astronautical Congress in Antalya, Turkey. At the Oct. 6 presentation, Nicolls said Starlink satellites had avoided close approaches with about 650 active satellites operated by other companies in recent months.

“Either they were not publishing their ephemeris to us, or they were not considering the ephemeris of others when they were maneuvering, and these led to conjunctions of tens of meters to hundreds of meters. Way too close to comfort,” Nicolls said.

An ephemeris is a predicted position and movement path for a satellite. Operators use the information to compare planned trajectories and identify potential conjunctions, or close approaches, before they become emergencies.

Starlink satellites conduct about 1,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers per day. SpaceX says its collision-risk assessment can use operator-supplied trajectories, radar data and optical observations from Starlink satellites through Stargaze.

“What you can’t avoid is other operators who maneuver without telling you where they’re going to go,” Nicolls said.

SpaceX publishes predicted position and velocity data for its satellites and encourages other operators to do the same. Its operator platform provides conjunction screening and supports the exchange of trajectory data.

The active Starlink constellation operates below 500 kilometers (311 miles) in altitude. New Starlink V3 satellites are intended to operate at about 350 kilometers (217 miles).

“Space safety is paramount to us as well,” said Rajeev Badyal, an Amazon Leo executive.