Overview
- SpaceX told U.S. regulators that Amazon deployed broadband satellites higher than its debris‑mitigation plan allowed, placing them closer to the Starlink fleet.
- Amazon rejected that claim, saying its license gives leeway on the initial drop‑off altitude and noting earlier Falcon 9 missions to about 460 kilometers drew no objection from SpaceX.
- Amazon said it is adjusting near‑term profiles, working with Arianespace to target a lower drop‑off on a coming Ariane 6 flight and consulting other launch providers on similar changes.
- SpaceX said one Ariane 6 release forced dozens of Starlink avoidance maneuvers and argued Amazon failed to share predicted paths, known as ephemerides, that help operators plan safe spacing.
- The FCC has not ruled, and with more launches queued, operators and regulators could face pressure to set clearer norms for low checkout orbits and data sharing in crowded low Earth orbit.