What is SpaceX's Stargaze system?

Stargaze is a new space traffic control system launched by SpaceX that provides free, real-time data about objects in Earth's orbit to help prevent satellite collisions.

How does Stargaze help prevent satellite collisions?

Stargaze utilizes 'star trackers' on Starlink satellites to monitor and predict the position and velocity of objects in orbit, significantly reducing the risk of collisions and the creation of space junk.

When will Stargaze be available to all satellite operators?

Following a beta testing phase, SpaceX is opening the Stargaze system to all satellite operators, offering them real-time data to enhance space safety.

Home / Technology / SpaceX Launches Free Orbit Traffic Control

SpaceX Launches Free Orbit Traffic Control

30 Jan

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Summary

SpaceX's Stargaze offers free orbital data to prevent collisions.
Starlink satellites use 'star trackers' to detect other objects.
Stargaze provides real-time data, reducing collision risks significantly.

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.