A Starlink satellite operated by SpaceX experienced an unusual anomaly on December 17, generating "a small amount" of debris and losing communication at an altitude of 418 kilometers, marking a rare propulsion-related incident for the satellite internet giant.
**Starlink: Satellite Tumbling in Orbit** The affected satellite, identified as Starlink-35956, suffered a propulsion system failure, causing its propellant tank to leak. The satellite has since descended rapidly by 4 kilometers and is currently tumbling uncontrollably. SpaceX stated on platform X that the satellite remains largely intact and is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere within weeks, where it will burn up completely.
The satellite is part of SpaceX’s nearly 10,000-strong broadband constellation. The abrupt altitude drop suggests a possible onboard explosion, though SpaceX has not disclosed the exact number of debris fragments. The U.S. Space Force and NASA are monitoring the situation.
**Debris Concerns and Analysis** LeoLabs, a low-Earth orbit monitoring firm, detected "dozens" of debris pieces linked to the incident, with more likely to be identified as investigations continue. The rapid descent indicates an internal malfunction rather than a collision with another object.
While the event poses some risk to other satellites, its impact appears limited compared to past orbital breakups—such as Intelsat’s satellite disintegration, which produced over 700 fragments.
**Background on Starlink’s Satellite Losses** Starlink satellites have seen increased atmospheric re-entries in recent years, with 316 burning up in 2023 alone—bringing total losses to 583. Research links these incidents to heightened solar activity, which heats and expands Earth’s upper atmosphere, increasing drag on satellites and pulling them out of orbit.
A 2022 geomagnetic storm caused SpaceX to lose 40 newly launched Starlink satellites in a single day.
**SpaceX’s IPO Plans Amid Incident** The anomaly coincides with SpaceX’s preparations for a potential 2026 IPO, which could become the largest in history, targeting over $30 billion in funding. The company has entered a regulatory "quiet period," restricting employee communications about the offering.
CFO Bret Johnsen hinted that a successful IPO could secure significant capital for projects like the Starship rocket, space-based AI data centers, and lunar bases. Industry sources suggest SpaceX aims for a $1.5 trillion valuation, potentially elevating CEO Elon Musk’s net worth beyond $1 trillion.
Morgan Stanley is reportedly favored as lead underwriter due to its close ties with Musk.
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