Press Release: Experts Urge Environmental Review of SpaceX’s Starlink Satellite Launches
As SpaceX’s Starlink rapidly populates low Earth orbit with thousands of satellites to provide global internet access, experts are sounding the alarm on potential environmental impacts due to insufficient oversight. A group of 100 researchers has appealed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to pause new satellite launches until thorough environmental reviews are conducted.
While Starlink’s mission to deliver high-speed broadband to underserved areas is commendable, the researchers caution that the ever-increasing number of commercial satellite launches could exacerbate pollution. Their letter highlights concerns over harmful gases and metals entering the atmosphere as satellite launches multiply. Since Starlink’s initial launch in May 2019, the FCC has authorized nearly 12,000 satellites, with projections suggesting that this number could swell to 58,000 by 2030 and potentially reach 500,000 as new mega-constellations emerge.
The researchers argue that the current race for commercial advantage should not dictate policy in orbit. They emphasize the need for international collaboration to govern the shared low Earth orbit space, which they assert is finite. A study published in Nature in May 2021 noted the dangers of untracked satellite debris, which could lead to catastrophic collisions in space.
Moreover, new research warns of "conductive particulates" from decommissioned satellites affecting the Earth’s magnetic field, while a recent study found that satellite reentries increased atmospheric aluminum levels by nearly 30%. This could have harmful effects on the ozone layer.
The researchers urge the FCC to prioritize responsible satellite deployments amidst this burgeoning commercial space race, as they assert, "We’re in a short window of time to prevent making a mess of space and our atmosphere."
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