U.S. Responds to China’s Complaints Over Starlink Satellites

Official note to the United Nations claims China’s concerns were unwarranted.

Jeremy Kariuki

Tuesday, February 08, 2022 at 03:53 PM ET

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SpaceX's Starlink program was created to provide low-cost internet to remote locations. [Courtesy: SpaceX]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. has officially refuted China's allegations that SpaceX's Starlink satellites endangered its space station and astronauts in two separate incidents in 2021.
China reported two "close encounters" in April and October 2021, claiming Starlink satellites changed course into its space station's orbit, necessitating evasive maneuvers.
The U.S. stated in a letter to the UN that emergency notifications were not warranted as the incidents did not meet established collision criteria, underscoring its commitment to sustainable space activities and prior safety information sharing.

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The U.S. is refuting claims by China that SpaceX’s Starlink satellites endangered its space station and astronauts last year.

In a letter to the United Nations dated January 28, the U.S. reiterated that it is “committed to sustainable, rules-based activities in outer space, whether those activities are performed by Governments or by non-governmental entities, including the private sector.”