THE National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) has warned SpaceX that its plan to deploy 30,000 small satellites in orbit to create a new global communications network can create dangerous risks for the International Space Station (ISS), reported Bloomberg, as quoted by Sputnik.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk’s plan, if implemented, can also interfere with programmes to monitor space for the threat of potentially catastrophic asteroid strikes on Earth, said Nasa, said in comments officially filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Musk announced that his space exploration company has activated 1,469 mini-satellites under its Starling programme on January 15, of which 272 are being directed into operational orbits, according to the report.

Two SpaceX satellites almost collided with China’s space station last year, and in one of the incidents, a Starling satellite came within 4km of the station, it added.

The Chinese government complained about the SpaceX project in a memorandum filed with a United Nations committee that oversees space programmes on December 6.

The plan is to reach the goal of launching 30,000 mini-satellites in low-Earth orbit by 2028, said the report. – Bernama, February 10, 2022.