美国星链的傲慢：一场不对等的太空“碰瓷”指控

Core Viewpoint - The incident involving a close approach between SpaceX's Starlink satellites and a Chinese satellite highlights the complexities of space safety and international cooperation in the context of escalating US-China technological competition [1][2]. Group 1: Incident Details - SpaceX's Vice President Michael Nichols accused a Chinese satellite of a "dangerous close approach" to Starlink satellites, claiming a distance of only 200 meters [1]. - The close approach occurred approximately 48 hours after the Chinese satellite's launch, indicating that the responsibility for orbital management lies with the satellite operators, not the launch service provider [2]. - The claim of a 200-meter proximity lacks independent verification from space situational awareness companies, raising questions about its reliability [3][4]. Group 2: SpaceX's Historical Context - SpaceX has a history of safety issues, including a 2019 incident where a European satellite had to perform a collision avoidance maneuver due to a close approach with a Starlink satellite [7]. - In 2021, two emergency maneuvers were required by China's Tiangong space station to avoid Starlink satellites, raising concerns about SpaceX's coordination with other space operators [8]. Group 3: Orbital Congestion and Governance - The number of active satellites in orbit has surged from under 3,400 in 2019 to nearly 13,000 today, with SpaceX's Starlink constituting 72% of this total [9]. - SpaceX's planned expansion to 42,000 satellites will further congest near-Earth orbit, necessitating improved coordination among satellite operators [10]. - The lack of effective international space governance and the outdated nature of existing treaties highlight the urgent need for new regulations to manage orbital traffic [13]. Group 4: Potential Solutions and Cooperation - Establishing a technical coordination mechanism free from political interference is essential for effective space traffic management [16]. - Revising or repealing the Wolf Amendment could facilitate US-China cooperation in space safety [16]. - Recent communications between Chinese and US space agencies indicate a potential for improved collaboration, which is crucial for preventing future incidents [12].