Near-collision between Starlink satellite and Chinese satellite over Pacific
A Starlink satellite and a Chinese satellite reportedly passed within 200 metres of each other at 560 km altitude on 12 December 2024. SpaceX stated that the lack of shared orbital data from the Chinese operator prevented its autonomous avoidance system from detecting the collision risk.
What happened
On 12 December 2024, a satellite launched by Chinese company CAS Space approached a Starlink satellite at approximately 560 km altitude above the eastern Pacific Ocean, passing within about 200 metres of each other, according to SpaceX vice-president of engineering Michael Nicolls.
SpaceX stated that it had not received position data (ephemerides) from CAS Space regarding the Chinese satellite. CAS Space responded on X that it uses detection systems during launch but that the incident occurred 48 hours after satellite separation, implying responsibility ended after deployment.
Reported impact
An impact at orbital velocities would have generated thousands of pieces of debris. In the first six months of 2025, Starlink satellites performed over 144,000 evasive manoeuvres.
More than 24,000 objects are currently tracked in low Earth orbit, an increase of 76% since 2019, with estimates of 70,000 active satellites by the end of the decade.
Index analysis
Starlink satellites are equipped with autonomous systems to modify their orbit to avoid debris or other objects. However, without shared position data from other operators, the system operates without visibility of incoming objects.
The incident highlights the absence of coordination mechanisms between satellite operators regarding launch schedules and orbital data sharing, creating dangerous approach scenarios in space.
Governance controls
An investigation was opened by CAS Space, which stated it had contacted Michael Nicolls to understand what occurred.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.