SpaceX Accuses Amazon of Space Collision Risk

SpaceX has lodged a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission, asserting that Amazon's recent satellite deployments pose a serious collision risk. The complaint, filed on Wednesday, details allegations that Amazon deployed its Leo satellites at altitudes significantly higher than previously authorized, specifically citing an Ariane 6 launch on February 12, 2026.

SpaceX claims that these higher orbital insertions, occurring near the 480 km altitude where many Starlink satellites operate, necessitated over 30 collision avoidance maneuvers within hours of the launch. The company argues that Amazon failed to coordinate these deployments adequately, creating unmitigable risks for existing spacecraft and potentially causing irreparable harm.

This action comes as Amazon seeks an extension to deploy its full constellation of 1,600 satellites, a deadline the company expects to miss. SpaceX has also opposed this extension, emphasizing the need for better coordination in space operations following a similar near-miss incident with a Chinese rocket in December.