SpaceX satellites' encounters with Chinese space station were not emergencies, US says

The United States has denied China's claim that Starlink satellites twice endangered its space station, and accused Beijing of failing to make contact to communicate any concerns. In December, China sent a note verbale - an unsigned message less formal than a diplomatic note - to the United Nations to complain that there had been "close encounters" last July and October when internet satellites approached the Tiangong station in orbit. It said the satellites - operated by SpaceX , founded and led by Elon Musk - forced the station to take avoidance manoeuvres and posed what "could constitute a danger…