Starlink will lower the orbit of its satellites in 2026 from about 342 miles (550 km) to 298 miles to improve safety in crowded low Earth orbit.

Michael Nicolls, SpaceX’s VP of Starlink engineering, said the reconfiguration will affect all satellites at the higher altitude and take place throughout the year.

The move aims to reduce collision risks and long-term space debris as thousands of satellites are launched for broadband and other services.

The decision follows a December incident in which a Starlink satellite experienced an in-orbit anomaly, creating a small amount of debris and losing communications, Interesting Engineering has reported.

That satellite, one of nearly 10,000 in orbit, dropped 2.49 miles rapidly, suggesting a rare internal explosion.