NASA has publicly opposed a proposed megaconstellation of satellites for the first time, raising serious concerns about collision risks with its orbital assets.
To deliver high-speed internet globally, companies are deploying vast networks of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). SpaceX leads with Starlink, but competitors are close behind.
Amazon's Project Kuiper aims to launch approximately 3,200 broadband satellites. OneWeb has deployed several dozen of its planned 650-satellite fleet, though the project stalled amid bankruptcy; a consortium led by the UK government and India's Bharti Global is set to acquire it.
Enter AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based firm seeking to capitalize on this booming sector.
AST recently petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to deploy a constellation of more than 240 satellites—essentially massive orbital cell towers providing 4G and 5G broadband directly to standard mobile phones. The company secured $120 million in funding for its SpaceMobile project.
NASA, however, has voiced significant reservations. In formal comments to the FCC, the agency highlighted collision hazards that could jeopardize its missions.
AST's satellites would orbit at approximately 720 km altitude, dangerously close to NASA's A-Train—a vital constellation of 10 Earth-observing satellites operated with partners including the US Geological Survey, France, and Japan at 705 km.
“Historical data from the A-Train shows this orbital regime generates a high volume of close approaches between objects,” NASA noted.
Compounding the issue, AST's satellites are massive: each weighing about one ton with expansive 900-square-meter phased-array antennas. For context, a Starlink satellite masses 260 kg with roughly 30 square meters of solar panels.
NASA projects that a full 243-satellite deployment would require around 1,500 avoidance maneuvers annually—and up to 15,000 planning assessments, or four maneuvers and 40 planning actions daily.
Moreover, with AST lacking experience building such heavyweight spacecraft, NASA anticipates a 10% or higher early failure rate, leaving defunct satellites as unmaneuverable debris hazards. The agency deems these risks "unacceptable."
While NASA lacks final say on FCC approval, its stance carries weight in the space community. AST responded constructively: "We have reviewed NASA's letter and are confident we can collaborate to address their concerns," said Chief Scientist Raymond Sedwick.
