SpaceX plans to operate up to one million orbiting data centers, marking a significant expansion beyond its current Starlink satellite network. Unlike Starlink satellites, which are designed to burn up upon reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, most of these data centers would be retired into so-called graveyard orbits, potentially contributing to a surge in space debris.

According to a recent filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), SpaceX intends to place about 80% of this constellation between 680 and 1,000 kilometers above Earth, with the remainder at roughly 500 kilometers. Satellites operating below 600 kilometers would be controlled to reenter the atmosphere, complying with debris mitigation guidelines. However, for satellites above 600 kilometers, SpaceX requests flexibility to retire them into higher disposal orbits around Earth or heliocentric orbits around the Sun rather than atmospheric reentry.

This approach reflects SpaceX's argument that managing decommissioned satellites in graveyard or heliocentric orbits could provide a more reliable and sustainable disposal method. The company asserts that this strategy may better protect the usability of low Earth orbit in the long term than relying solely on atmospheric reentry.

Yet, this raises significant concerns. Each satellite is projected to have a functional lifespan of about five years, after which it would join other defunct satellites in disposal orbits. Given the enormous scale—potentially 800,000 satellites entering graveyard orbits every five years—experts warn of escalating collision risks. Hugh Lewis, a professor of astronautics and space debris specialist, highlighted that accumulating so many defunct satellites above 600 kilometers could lead to an unsustainable collision environment, threatening orbital safety.

Adding to the challenge, the first generation of these orbiting data centers will be enormous structures, exceeding 100 meters in length, longer than the International Space Station. Their size could amplify the severity of any collision fragments, compounding the debris problem.

SpaceX’s plans underscore a growing tension between the drive to expand orbital infrastructure and the escalating challenge of managing space debris. The FCC’s review of the company’s application will consider these risks alongside potential technological benefits, as the debate over sustainable space operations intensifies.