Close approach · predicted from public data

STARLINK-33799 and STARLINK-37917: 169 km apart

STARLINK-33799 (satellite) and STARLINK-37917 (satellite) are predicted to pass 169 km apart at 2026-10-13 14:14 UTC, about 467 km up, closing at 4.3 km/s.

At this moment in the animation

Time (UTC): —
To closest approach: —
Distance between them: —
STARLINK-33799 altitude: —
STARLINK-37917 altitude: —

Distance between the two objects, 45 minutes before to 15 minutes after the closest approach (log scale).

Closest approach

Latest data (ours): 169 km
Screening (SOCRATES): 80 m
Relative speed: 4.33 km/s
Crossing angle: 33°
Over: 51.5°S, 97.1°W
Worst-case probability: 1 in 17

The two predictions differ by 169 km. The screening used orbit data 6.4 days old at the time of approach; small errors grow fast, and satellites like Starlink manoeuvre routinely. The newer data is usually the better guide.

The two objects

Object	NORAD	Type	Latest orbit data	Data age at approach
STARLINK-33799	63447	working satellite	2026-10-07 22:34 UTC	5.7 d screening: 6.3 d
STARLINK-37917	100034	working satellite	2026-10-08 00:14 UTC	5.6 d screening: 6.4 d

What this is, and is not

This is a prediction built from public orbit data, which is accurate to roughly a kilometre and comes without uncertainty estimates. Operators get better data and formal warnings, and may already have moved. A prediction of a few hundred metres is common and rarely ends in a collision; it is the sheer number of them that makes orbit dangerous.

Orbits are calculated in your browser with SGP4, the same model used to produce the data, from CelesTrak GP data (CCSDS OMM). Screening by CelesTrak SOCRATES Plus. Earth imagery: NASA Blue Marble.