Thread by @Astro_Jonny

So, I've just had it confirmed from another ESA source that #SpaceX refused to move their #Starlink satellite when they were alerted to the risk of collision with #Aeolus, which was 1 in 1,000, ten times higher than the threshold for a collision avoidance manoeuvre. (1/5)

SpaceX sent a short email to ESA saying they would not move their satellite. It's not clear why - they didn't mention if the satellite was active or not, apparently (ESA weren't even aware what the satellite was). (2/5)

ESA have been pretty frustrated with SpaceX so far. There has been very little communication regarding Starlink, despite repeated attempts by ESA to contact them (this is the first email SpaceX had sent). (3/5)

As to why Aeolus had to move and not Starlink, my source just said "in space there are no rules". Basically, SpaceX said they wouldn't move. So Aeolus had to move.

(ESA said they were glad they knew one way or the other, however) (4/5)

As of yet SpaceX has not responded to a request for comment on this. I'll have a story up on @Forbes soon with full quotes. (5/5)

Here's the story for all coming to this thread. forbes.com/sites/jonathan…

To clarify on this in light of updated information from SpaceX, it's now clear the company didn't necessarily refuse to move its satellite, but rather declined to move it initially (when the risk was above the threshold), as did ESA, but did not respond when the risk was raised.