SpaceX Starlink Satellite Suffers Technical Failure, Debris Spreads in Orbit

Washington D.C.  Debris has spread in space following a technical failure in a SpaceX Starlink satellite for the second time in three months. SpaceX confirmed on March 30 that communication contact was lost with the satellite named 'Starlink-34343' after it experienced a problem on March 29.

This satellite, launched in May 2025, was orbiting at an altitude of 560 kilometers from Earth.  According to LeoLabs, a company that tracks objects in space, a large number of small fragments have been observed around the satellite following the incident.

However, both SpaceX and LeoLabs have stated that there is no immediate major risk from this. SpaceX clarified that these fragments will not affect the International Space Station (ISS) or the upcoming Artemis II launch.

Since the incident occurred at a low altitude, it is estimated that these fragments will fall into the atmosphere and disintegrate within a few weeks.  A similar issue was observed with another Starlink satellite on December 17.

According to preliminary studies, such problems appear to stem from internal sources like the fuel tank or battery, rather than an external collision. While SpaceX temporarily halted launches after the previous incident, the company has continued its regular flights this time.

The SpaceX team is currently investigating to determine the root cause of this malfunction.