SpaceX intentionally deorbited and burned 260 Starlink satellites in Earth's atmosphere between December 2025 and May 2026, according to company reports submitted to the Federal Communications Commission.
The filings, submitted on July 1, 2026, show a rise from the 218 satellites decommissioned in the previous six months.
Additionally, SpaceX removed another 349 spacecraft from service during the same period for future atmospheric disposal.
The private aerospace firm operates more than 10,000 satellites in low Earth orbit.
Each spacecraft is designed with a five-year lifespan, and older units are routinely lowered into dense air layers where friction completely destroys them.
Scientific Warnings on Ozone Impact
Astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks independent orbital data, reported that at least 1,344 Starlink satellites have already re-entered the atmosphere.
Researchers warn that the combustion of thousands of aluminum satellites converts metal into fine particles of aluminum oxide.
These materials accumulate in the stratosphere, potentially altering upper-atmospheric chemistry and absorbing sunlight.
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A 2024 study by the University of Southern California published in Geophysical Research Letters indicated that full constellation deployments could release over 360 tons of aluminum oxide annually.
These particles can persist for decades, accelerating ozone depletion.
Despite these environmental risks, the FCC is considering a proposal to formally exempt space-based operations from National Environmental Policy Act reviews.
The regulatory agency classifies orbital activities as extraterritorial to support rapid technological development.
SpaceX continues expanding its network toward a long-term goal of 42,000 satellites.
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The company regularly launches larger second-generation models using Falcon 9 rockets, establishing a continuous cycle of satellite deployment, operation, and atmospheric disposal.
