Low-Earth orbit
Coverage of Low-Earth orbit in the Nexus archive.
- Collisions in space are a growing concern. A plan to address it is reigniting a turf war
The growing number of satellites in low-Earth orbit increases collision risks, prompting the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt new rules for space traffic management. These rules have reignited a regulatory dispute over whether the FCC or the Department of Commerce should oversee space operations, with lawmakers urging the FCC to reconsider its authority.
- Amazon has enough satellites to launch its Starlink competitor
Amazon has deployed 396 satellites for its Starlink competitor, Amazon Leo, which is now sufficient to provide continuous service in initial latitudes. The company aims for commercial availability by mid-2026, though early service may be limited compared to SpaceX's 2020 launch with nearly 900 satellites.
- Space is already a junkyard. AI data centers in orbit would make it worse
Low-Earth orbit is already dangerously crowded with space debris. Proposals to construct AI-powered data centers in this region could exacerbate the existing debris crisis, which current regulators are unable to manage.
- Germany Warns of Russian Orbital Nuclear Threat
Germany's Major General Michael Traut, commander of the Bundeswehr Space Command, warned that Russia may be developing the ability to detonate a nuclear weapon in low-Earth orbit, which could destroy a third of LEO satellites and cause a catastrophic debris cascade known as the Kessler syndrome.