Kinetica-1 launch Dec 2025
A Kinetica-1 rocket lifts off Dec. 10 placing nine satellites into orbit, one of which reportedly passed within 200 meters of a Starlink satellite two days later. Credit: Xinhua

WASHINGTON — A reported close approach between a Starlink satellite and a recently launched Chinese spacecraft highlights the challenges of coordinating spacecraft operations and verifying potential close calls in orbit.

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Jeff Foust writes about space policy, commercial space, and related topics for SpaceNews. He earned a Ph.D. in planetary sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree with honors in geophysics and planetary science...