China’s complaints over Elon Musk’s satellites ‘highlight need for better communications to prevent accidents in space’

Beijing’s protest to the UN about two near-misses have focused attention to growing concerns about overcrowding in low earth orbit

SpaceX and other private firms plan vast constellations in orbit and experts say governments need to establish better channels to discuss potential risks

Reading Time:3 minutes

China’s Tiangong Space Station had two near misses. Photo: Handout

Published: 8:00pm, 2 Jan 2022

China and the United States have been urged to improve communications with each other and with private companies over space matters to reduce the risk of accidents

The call follows China’s complaint to the United Nations that its Tiangong space station had two near misses with satellites from Elon Musk’s company SpaceX last year.

Concerns have been growing about overcrowding in the lower earth orbit as scientists warn the risk of collisions is increasing.

SpaceX’s plans for its Starlink network, which already consists of 1,900 satellites, have been a major focus of concern, and last month Josef Aschbacher, the Europe Space Agency chief, warned they may crowd out other spacecraft and accused Musk of “making the rules”.

Musk rejected the claim, saying space is big enough and Starlink – a network that could involve up to 42,000 satellites when complete – was not going to get in anyone’s way.

“We’ve not blocked anyone from doing anything, nor do we expect to,” he told the Financial Times this week.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x