SpaceX deorbited 260 Starlink satellites between December 2025 and May 2026, according to a filing with the US Federal Communications Commission. Although the figure has attracted attention, it is presented as a routine part of managing the large Starlink network rather than evidence of an unusual failure; the company proactively removes satellites to reduce orbital risks and retain control during descent.

The total included 176 first-generation satellites and 84 larger second-generation models, compared with 406 removed in 2024 over a known issue and almost 500 between December 2024 and May 2025. Starlink satellites are intended to burn up on re-entry, usually over open oceans, though SpaceX says up to roughly 5% of their mass may survive as small, low-impact fragments; more than 9,500 Starlink satellites are currently active.