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Why would they refuse to move the satellite? It's not like only the European satellite would be affected by a collision, both are in danger, so either they coul

Why would they refuse to move the satellite? It's not like only the European satellite would be affected by a collision, both are in danger, so either they couldn't or they didn't think it was likely.

Tuna-Fish 7y ago
The likely answer is that the satellite in question was out of control and they couldn't move it. I don't know which Starlink sat this was, but the the other satellite that did dodge seems to be flying at ~300km. This is much lower than what the functional Starlink constellation is. Some of the initial launch failed to unfold their solar panels, and the batteries would have ran down by now, so they are rapidly decaying space trash. Others are being deorbited under power but SpaceX would have no reason not to do dodge with those.
- tssva 7y ago
  The article clearly states that the SpaceX satellite was at this position because they were deorbiting it under power.
- semi-extrinsic 7y ago
  Why are they deorbiting? Didn't they just launch these?
  - duskwuff 7y ago
    To test their ability to perform a controlled deorbit.
    - fwip 7y ago
      Sounds like the test didn't work, if they can't avoid hitting other satellites.
  - foobiekr 7y ago
    They are test satellites with no lateral switching capability.