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

@arstechnica Starlink is the very definition of space junk. No one generates as much garbage as Musk.

@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.

@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.

@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?

@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.