China says its space station has dodged the Starlink satellite twice this year

Astronomers aren’t the only ones problem with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite. As Cnet report, China has applied complaint with the United Nations about two reported close collisions in the midst of an ongoing process Tiangong space station and Starlink cars. According to Chinese officials, the station had to carry out evasive maneuvers on July 1 and October 21 of this year to minimize the possibility of a collision.

The accusations are consistent with the association of astronomer Jonathan McDowell observe for both days. China also argues that SpaceX’s satellites are not always predictable. During the October incident, the Starlink spacecraft “constantly” behaved in a way that made it difficult to predict the trajectory of its orbit.

We have asked SpaceX for comment. However, China has demanded action. In its complaint, it asks the United Nations Secretary-General to remind countries (read: USA) that the parties to the Outer Space Treaty are responsible for extraterrestrial incidents, even as they relate to private companies.

China has created its own share of past incidents. An anti-satellite missile test in 2007 produced debris that created Threats to the International Space Station and other spacecraft to this day. Similarly, the complaint suggests that the privatization of space is making these near-misses more common – especially since SpaceX, Amazon and others are launching internet services that depend on giant constellations of satellites.