“Lowering the satellites results in condensing Starlink orbits, and will increase space safety in several ways,” Nicolls explained, citing the decreased debris density below 500km, as well as “a >80 percent (sic) reduction in ballistic decay time in solar minimum,” meaning the satellites will fall faster at this altitude.

Beijing has warned the United Nations that the rapid expansion of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite constellations in low-Earth orbit pose “pronounced safety and security ” concerns globally.

Australia, which has recently experienced slowing Starlink speeds due to rapid subscriber growth, is set to benefit from a decision by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowing SpaceX to launch an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites.

American satellite internet firm Starlink has blocked the use of its services in Uganda upon the request of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Florida on Monday (Jan. 12).