By Eric Berger, Published by Ars Technica, 23 September 2026 “I think we are going to lose the ability to use certain orbits.” The 2013 sci-fi blockbuster film Gravity, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, popularized the notion of the Kessler syndrome. In the movie, Russia shoots down a defunct
An illustration of a satellite breaking up in Earth orbit. (Image credit: Getty Images) By Etiido Uko, Published by tom's Hardware, 5 July 2026 Starlink burns multiple retired satellites daily from its over 10,000-strong constellation SpaceX has confirmed in a semi-annual report submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier
Multiple companies are planning to develop space-based data centers, which would greatly increase the number of satellites in Earth orbit. (Image credit: ESA) By Jason Rainbow, Published by Space News, 30 June 2026 TAMPA, Fla. — Five-month-old startup Orbital has asked the Federal Communications Commission for permission to deploy up
By Elizabeth Howell, Published by Space.com, 11 June 2026 "We've got a pretty good idea of how to operate, just really large constellations, and do it safely now, right? We are the only operator that has any experience of that scale." SpaceX CEO Elon Musk outlined more details for his
The Space Development Agency's Tranche 1 Tracking Layer is designed to detect, track and ultimately target hypersonic and ballistic missiles. Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman By Courtney Albon, Published by Air and Space Forces, 27 March 2026 The tech industry’s pursuit of space-based AI data centers has potentially significant implications for
This photo depicts the satellite-filled sky that is now a reality and getting more crowded every week. The image consists of exposures taken over a 30-minute stretch in June 2024 from a latitude of 51 degrees north, when satellites even in low Earth orbit are lit all night by sunlight.
Satellite streaks, like the ones seen in this composite image, are a subject of increasing concern for astronomers. And SpaceX's plan to launch a million AI data centers in space could make the problem much worse. Image: Alan Dyer/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images By Tereza Putarova, Published by Space.com,
A long-exposure photograph in the northern hemisphere showing satellites in the night skyAlan Dyer/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images By Tori Bonidie and Magnus L'Argent, Published by Astrobites, 26 February 2026 Across regions and borders, cultures and customs, the one thing we share is the night sky. Access to the
