美国太空探索技术公司旗下卫星互联网项目"星链"工程副总裁迈克尔·尼科尔斯1月1日称，计划在2026 年降低约4400颗卫星的轨道高度，以助维护空间安全。 2025年12月"星链"一颗卫星因故障在太空产生碎片，引发广泛关注。 尼科尔斯当日在社交媒体平台X发表声明说，计划在2026年将所有运行高度约550公里的卫星降至约480 公里，降轨卫星数量约4400颗。 尼科尔斯说，目前还有两颗"完全失效"的"星链"卫星留在轨道上。 他说，正与美国监管机构以及其他航天器运营方等进行协调，以避免在此次计划的卫星轨道下降过程中 出现空间交通冲突。 "星链"目前在轨运行的卫星数量超过9000颗。尼科尔斯称，降低轨道也让"星链"卫星系统远离日益拥挤 的500至600公里轨道带，减少因缺乏协调和潜在碎片等带来的风险。 业界有观点认为，"星链"大量卫星在太空带来安全挑战。据此前消息，2025年12月，一颗"星链"卫星出 现故障，轨道高度迅速下降4000米并产生碎片，说明有可能发生了爆炸。此类事故严重威胁其他航天器 安全。 他说，随着太阳活动向极小期转变，近地轨道大气密度下降，失效卫星依靠大气阻力自然脱轨的时间会 显著延长。比如位于55 ...

Core Viewpoint - The company plans to lower the operational altitude of approximately 4,400 Starlink satellites from about 550 kilometers to approximately 480 kilometers by 2026 to enhance space safety and reduce the risk of space debris [1][2] Group 1: Satellite Operations - The current number of operational Starlink satellites in orbit exceeds 9,000 [1] - The altitude reduction aims to allow failed satellites to re-enter the atmosphere more quickly, with satellites at 480 kilometers taking only a few months compared to over four years at 550 kilometers [1] - The move is also intended to distance Starlink satellites from the increasingly crowded orbital region between 500 to 600 kilometers, thereby minimizing risks associated with debris and coordination issues [1] Group 2: Safety Concerns - A previous incident in December 2025 involved a Starlink satellite that malfunctioned, resulting in a rapid altitude drop of 4,000 meters and the creation of debris, highlighting potential safety threats to other spacecraft [1] - Currently, there are two completely non-functional Starlink satellites remaining in orbit [2] - The company is coordinating with U.S. regulatory agencies and other satellite operators to prevent space traffic conflicts during the planned altitude reduction [2]