SpaceX reicht FCC-Beschwerde wegen Start der Ariane 64 Amazon LEO ein

SpaceX Files FCC Complaint Over Ariane 64 Amazon LEO Launch

In a complaint filed with the FCC on 1 April, US launch services provider SpaceX accused Amazon and its launch partner, Arianespace, of deploying 32 satellites into a higher orbit than authorised during a February Ariane 64 launch. In response, Amazon has issued a statement expressing surprise that SpaceX did not raise any objections when it launched three missions for Amazon to similar altitudes in 2025.

For context, SpaceX has operated its Starlink constellation at around 550 kilometres in altitude. However, earlier this year, the company announced that it would lower a portion of the constellation down to approximately 480 kilometres. At the time, Michael Nicolls, vice president of Starlink engineering at SpaceX, explained that the lower orbit would “improve the safety of the constellation, particularly with difficult-to-control risks such as uncoordinated maneuvers and launches by other satellite operators.”

Amazon’s satellites operate in three orbits at approximately 590, 610, and 630 kilometres. When launched, satellites are typically deployed into a lower orbit, with onboard propulsion systems used to raise them to their operational altitude. These systems are also used for station keeping and collision avoidance. As a result, reducing the distance a satellite has to travel from the orbit it is deployed in to its operational altitude can extend its lifespan by conserving fuel for regular operations.

According to a SpaceX filing, Amazon and Arianespace violated the approved orbital debris mitigation plan and the conditions of their licence by deploying the Amazon LEO satellites between 50 and 90 kilometres higher than the authorised 400 kilometres, “without adequate coordination or information sharing.” The company added that because of the altitude at which the satellites were deployed, it “forced Starlink satellites alone to perform 30 collision avoidance maneuvers within hours” of the launch.

“Amazon’s and its launch partner Arianespace’s negligence needlessly and significantly increases risk to other operational systems and inhabited spacecraft.”

In a 2 April response, Amazon explained that it had noted the change in multiple reports filed with the FCC. The company added that the SpaceX complaint “comes as a surprise” considering that SpaceX deployed Amazon satellites at an altitude of 460 kilometres over three separate Falcon 9 missions in 2025 and “did not raise the issue.”

“SpaceX did not raise the issue during its first launch of Amazon Leo satellites in July 2025 to this altitude, nor during two subsequent launches into the same insertion altitude. Nor did Amazon Leo conceal the change in its insertion altitudes from the Commission. In addition to explaining the change to Commission staff before making it, Amazon Leo has noted a mean insertion altitude of 450 km in multiple space safety reports filed with the FCC.”

Despite this, the company said it had still “taken SpaceX’s concerns and risk posture seriously” and had offered a solution that it says SpaceX declined. The company said it would nevertheless proceed with “significant operational changes” and plans to lower its target insertion altitude beginning with the fourth Ariane 64 flight.