China has raised concerns at the United Nations about safety and security risks posed by the rapid expansion of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network. Chinese representatives told the UN Security Council that unregulated growth of commercial satellite constellations threatens orbital stability worldwide.
The warning came during an informal Security Council event, where Beijing emphasized the lack of effective international rules governing satellite operations. The Chinese diplomat cited past incidents, including 2021, when the Tiangong space station had to perform preventive maneuvers to avoid collisions with Starlink satellites.
China described the current pace of commercial space activity as a risk for astronauts and satellites, particularly for developing nations that lack orbit-control capabilities. “For spacecraft operated by developing countries, this constitutes a major safety hazard,” the representative said.
SpaceX announced on the same day that it will lower roughly 4,400 Starlink satellites from 550 kilometers to 480 kilometers in altitude. Michael Nicolls, Starlink’s vice president of engineering, said the adjustment aims to reduce collision risks in increasingly crowded orbital bands.
While Beijing’s concerns focus on safety, they also coincide with China’s own satellite ambitions. The Thousand Sails (Qianfan G60) megaconstellation project is now in its second phase, with plans to deploy more than 15,000 satellites by 2030. Initial launches had a failure rate of about 14 percent, according to early reports. Under UN International Telecommunication Union rules, China must launch at least 10 percent of the planned constellation by 2026 to retain spectrum rights.
China also flagged security implications, noting that commercial satellites are increasingly used for reconnaissance and battlefield communications. The diplomat said this trend “aggravates the risk of an arms race in outer space.” Similar concerns were raised by a U.S. State Department memo in April 2025, urging allies to avoid “untrusted” Chinese satellite providers to protect national security.
SpaceX has not formally responded to the UN statements. CEO Elon Musk has previously described orbital crowding concerns as a “silly narrative.” Nevertheless, a December 2025 report indicated that regulatory bodies like the FCC face unprecedented pressure to update rules on interference and collision avoidance.
The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) plans to review proposals for space traffic management later in 2026. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s orbital adjustments are expected to continue through the year. U.S. Space Command and international regulators are closely monitoring these maneuvers to prevent new hazards for the 12,955 active satellites currently in low Earth orbit.
Experts say that managing crowded orbits is becoming a top global priority. As more countries and companies launch large constellations, cooperation and regulation will be key to maintaining safety in space. China’s warning underscores the need for coordinated rules to prevent collisions, protect astronauts, and safeguard valuable satellite assets.
The situation highlights a broader tension between commercial innovation and international security. While companies like SpaceX expand satellite coverage to provide global internet, nations are increasingly concerned about strategic, safety, and environmental implications. Analysts say that 2026 could be a pivotal year for shaping international agreements on orbital traffic and satellite governance.
China’s alert to the UN emphasizes that satellite safety is no longer just a technical issue—it is now a strategic and security matter with global consequences.
