tech
April 4, 2026
SpaceX tries to convince FCC that Amazon put satellites into wrong altitude
Amazon denies violation, says SpaceX caused conflict by lowering Starlink satellites.
TL;DR
- SpaceX has accused Amazon of launching satellites into excessively high altitudes, violating debris mitigation plans and increasing collision risks.
- Amazon denies the claims, stating its launches comply with license requirements and that SpaceX's own recent orbital adjustments created the overlap and conflict.
- SpaceX alleges Amazon's February launch resulted in dozens of collision avoidance maneuvers for Starlink satellites.
- Amazon claims it informed the FCC and SpaceX about its launch altitudes and has committed to using lower initial altitudes for future missions.
- The dispute comes as SpaceX itself has recently experienced satellite failures, contributing to space debris.
- Both companies have previously used FCC proceedings to challenge each other's satellite launch plans.
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