SpaceX already has more than 1,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, but that’s only a fraction of the entire constellation the company plans to deploy. Although it initially asked the FCC for permission to launch 12,000 satellites, it could have as many as 42,000 in orbit within a few decades. Because those satellites can collide with other spacecraft in orbit – and when there are that many satellites, the chances of an accident are higher – NASA and SpaceX have signed a joint agreement (PDF) to prevent their assets from colliding .
Like TechCrunch notes that NASA is already working with other entities that launch objects in orbit using a standard Conjunction Assessment process that assesses the risks of a close and rapid approach between objects in space. However, this agreement with SpaceX ensures that they will actively work together in the coming years to actively prevent collisions.
NASA has agreed to provide SpaceX with advance information about its missions, and not to move its assets in the event of a potential collision: it trusts SpaceX’s Starlink satellites to be the ones to take evasive action. The company will also use the information provided by NASA to program Starlink’s automated avoidance measures so that the satellites don’t have to take evasive measures at all. In addition, SpaceX must ensure that its Starlink launches have a minimum distance of 5 kilometers above or below the highest and lowest points of the orbit of the International Space Station.
Acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk said in a statement:
“Society depends on space-based capabilities for global communications, navigation, weather forecasting and more. As commercial companies launch more and more satellites, it is critical that we improve communications, share data and establish best practices to ensure to ensure that we all have a safe space environment. “