SpaceX confirmed that Starlink satellite 35956 suffered an anomaly at about 418 km altitude, losing communications after venting its propulsion tank and tumbling. The event produced a small amount of trackable debris and caused the satellite to drop about 4 km; LeoLabs has detected tens of objects and is investigating further. SpaceX says the craft will reenter and burn up within weeks and poses no risk to the International Space Station while it coordinates tracking with the U.S. Space Force and NASA.
SpaceX Confirms Starlink Satellite Anomaly; Debris Detected — Craft Expected To Reenter And Burn Up Within Weeks
A rare in-orbit malfunction involving a Starlink satellite has renewed concerns about orbital safety as SpaceX's footprint in global launch activity continues to grow.
Earlier this week, SpaceX confirmed that Starlink satellite 35956 experienced an anomaly while operating at approximately 418 kilometers (about 260 miles) above Earth. The event caused the spacecraft to lose communications, vent its propulsion tank and tumble, producing a small amount of trackable debris. The company says the satellite dropped roughly 4 kilometers in altitude and is expected to reenter and burn up within weeks.
What SpaceX and Trackers Report
In a post on X, Starlink said the craft "is largely intact, tumbling, and will reenter the Earth's atmosphere and fully demise within weeks." SpaceX added that it is coordinating with the U.S. Space Force and NASA to monitor the debris and ensure there is no hazard to other spacecraft.
On December 17, Starlink experienced an anomaly on satellite 35956, resulting in loss of communications with the vehicle at 418 km. The anomaly led to venting of the propulsion tank, a rapid decay in semi-major axis by about 4 km, and the release of a small number of trackable fragments.
Space-tracking firm LeoLabs reported detecting tens of objects that likely resulted from the mishap and said further analysis could reveal additional fragments. LeoLabs also noted that the sudden drop in altitude is consistent with an onboard failure rather than an external collision.
Safety And Operational Context
SpaceX emphasized that the satellite's current trajectory places it below the International Space Station and that it poses no risk to the station or its crew. Nevertheless, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about orbital congestion, debris generation and the importance of timely coordination among operators and regulators.
The event comes as SpaceX continues to dominate launches: data shared from The Launch Report shows SpaceX accounted for about 97% of the orbital payload mass launched from the U.S. in the third quarter and roughly 83% worldwide. Separately, market commentary has speculated about a possible SpaceX public listing in 2026 with valuations widely discussed in the media.
SpaceX and independent trackers will continue to monitor the fragments and the satellite's decay to ensure there is no downstream risk to other missions.
