SpaceX accused the launch of competing Amazon Leo satellites of increasing collision risk

SpaceX filed a complaint with the FCC about Amazon Leo satellites

Despite having already launched its rockets three times to deploy competitors’ internet‑satellites—Amazon Leo—SpaceX decided to file an official grievance with the regulator.

What prompted it
SpaceX alleges that Amazon is “recklessly” placing its satellites in orbits far exceeding permitted limits and fails to publish data on the spacecraft’s specifications. This creates a collision risk with existing objects in space.

Specific incident* February 12, 2026 – an Ariane 6 rocket was used at full thrust to launch a group of Amazon Leo satellites.

* The satellites were deployed at altitudes 50–90 km above the level that the FCC had approved for that configuration (400 km).

* Afterward, SpaceX’s Starlink satellites were forced to perform 30 maneuvers within hours immediately after launch to avoid a potential collision.

SpaceX’s reaction
The company stated it did not participate in launching Amazon Leo on its rockets but continues to hold the operator and Amazon responsible for rule violations.

SpaceX also lowered the altitude of its Starlink network from 500–550 km to 480 km to reduce collision probability.

Consequences
Such events raise questions about compliance with international satellite‑deployment norms and could become subject to further FCC investigations. At the same time, they underscore the need for stricter oversight of new internet‑satellite launches, including potentially large‑scale programs by Chinese operators.