BY Maia Davies, Published by the BBC, 31 January 2026 Elon Musk's SpaceX has applied to launch one million satellites into Earth's orbit to power artificial intelligence (AI). The application claims "orbital data centres" are the most cost and energy-efficient way to meet the growing demand for AI computing power.
An artist's illustration of SpaceX's Starlink internet satellites in orbit. (Image credit: SpaceX) Published by Futura, 26 January 2026 SpaceX is one of the earliest and most dominant players in low Earth orbit, a massive presence that also comes with growing risks. The end of the year has been particularly
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launches 27 Amazon Leo internet satellites to orbit on Dec. 16, 2025. (Image credit: ULA) By Tereza Pultarova, Published by Space.com, 25 January 2026 Amazon Leo satellites are generally not visible to the naked eye but still could obstruct astronomical observations. The satellites
The Cygnus re-supply vehicle, which delivers cargo to the International Space Station, burning up in the atmosphere during its reentry. (Image credit: ESA/Alexander Gerst) By Tereza Pultarova, Published by Space.com, 24 January 2026 "Starlink satellites demise over the Pacific, but there is no way to actually check that out." At
A long-exposure photograph in the northern hemisphere showing satellites in the night skyAlan Dyer/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images By Jonathan O'Callaghan, Published by New Scientist, 23 January 2026 The company’s mega-constellation is having to perform a huge number of manoeuvres to prevent a collision in Earth orbit A report
Image: Shutterstock/Nasa By Bojan Stojkovski, Published by Interesting Engineering, 11 January 2026 China has submitted plans to deploy up to 200,000 satellites into orbit, citing collision risks posed by SpaceX’s rapidly expanding Starlink network. A growing number of Chinese companies are laying the groundwork for an unprecedented expansion of satellite
A composite image showing rows of Starlink satellites awaiting deployment into low Earth orbit in front of a picture of Earth taken from the International Space Station. (Image credit: SpaceX via X) By MIke Wall, Published by Space.com, 2 January 2026 "Lowering the satellites results in condensing Starlink orbits, and
Artist’s concept shows a large satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. Image via IAU/ Daniëlle Futselaar. By Vishwam Samkaran, Published by The Independent, 2 January 2026 Beijing has warned the United Nations that the rapid expansion of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite constellations in low-Earth orbit pose “pronounced safety and security”
