Ars Technica

A Chinese rocket breaks apart dangerously close to the Starlink constellation

The rocket's breakup likely generated 100 to 150 new pieces of space junk.
https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/06/a-chinese-rocket-breaks-apart-dangerously-close-to-the-starlink-constellation/?utm_brand=arstechnica&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social

Jun 15 at 6:55pmArsBot 🤖
Show threadjiub   Jun 15
@arstechnica space junk blowing up space junk lmao
Show threadVeronica Olsen 🏳️‍🌈Jun 15
@arstechnica Starlink is the very definition of space junk. No one generates as much garbage as Musk.
Show threadMastodon MigrationJun 15

@veronica @arstechnica

Absolutely right. The article is ridiculous in how it places blame on China for a situation that has been entirely caused by SpaceX.

Show threadMastodon MigrationJun 15

@veronica @arstechnica

We don't know, but a very possible cause of the Chinese rocket breaking up is that it may have hit a SpaceX Starlink. Who knows? Seems like we may be well into Kessler Syndrome.

Show threadVeronica Olsen 🏳️‍🌈Jun 15
@mastodonmigration @arstechnica China's record isn't exactly the best here, but it annoys me when they talk about Starlink as if it was something worth protecting. Not to mention writing about "Space Force" with a straight face (presumably). What a joke.
Show threadMastodon MigrationJun 15

@veronica @arstechnica

Of course. Not defending China. There is plenty of blame to go around.

Show threadMastodon MigrationJun 15

@veronica @arstechnica

What is very interesting is no mention is made of the cause of the 'breakup'. So the question becomes, was it due to a collision? And if so, with what?

Show threadVeronica Olsen 🏳️‍🌈Jun 15
@mastodonmigration I'm just waiting for the Kessler syndrome to end in the inevitable cascade. If it wasn't for all the collateral damage, I would welcome the destruction of these satellite systems. I can't believe they haven't been stopped already, but there's so much corruption going on, no one stops these people.
Show threadSamantha RoseJun 15
@veronica Sadly Ars seems unable to talk negatively about Space X, nor anything with regard to US and Space really...
Show threadMastodon MigrationJun 15

@samantha42 @veronica

US media is no more than a PR operation at this point.

Show threadThird spruce tree on the leftJun 15

@arstechnica

> dangerously close to the Starlink constellation

What do you mean "dangerously close"? The Starlink constellation is _everywhere_. You can't so much as fart in orbit without hitting one of those piece of crap.

Show threadDon Hawkins - W7DAHJun 15
@arstechnica It’s ALL fooking junk.
Show threadW6KMEJun 15
@arstechnica Another large step closer.
Show threadF4GRX SébastienJun 16

@arstechnica let me grab some popcorn

KESSLER WHEN?