SpaceX Launches Free Orbit Traffic Control

SpaceX has launched Stargaze, a pioneering space traffic control system designed to prevent collisions in Earth's orbit. This initiative will provide free, real-time data about all objects present in orbit to the satellite industry.

Utilizing nearly 30,000 'star trackers' from its Starlink constellation, SpaceX can now monitor and predict the position and velocity of detected objects with high accuracy. This capability is crucial for enhancing space safety and mitigating the risk of space debris generation.

The Stargaze system promises to deliver data on potential collisions within minutes, a significant improvement over the current industry standard of several hours. This advancement was highlighted after a recent near-collision incident involving a Starlink satellite and a Chinese-deployed satellite, which underscored the need for better coordination.

SpaceX is opening Stargaze to all satellite operators following a beta testing phase. This move aims to greatly reduce the probability of collisions, especially as SpaceX plans to launch tens of thousands of additional Starlink satellites, increasing satellite density in low-Earth orbit.