A group of 120 astronomers is urging the FCC to pause new Starlink satellite launches from SpaceX, calling for a thorough investigation into the environmental impacts of large satellite constellations.
In a letter, they warned about the consequences of SpaceX’s goal to launch up to 30,000 satellites, which would lead to significant debris burning in Earth’s atmosphere, potentially harming the ozone layer and increasing atmospheric metals and gases.
Currently, SpaceX operates over 6,000 Starlink satellites, about 60% of all active satellites, and aims to boost internet speed by expanding to tens of thousands more. However, the astronomers argue that such growth in low-Earth orbit could create unprecedented pollution and waste.
They criticized the FCC for fast-tracking approvals without environmental reviews, despite a 2022 Government Accountability Office recommendation to scrutinize mega-constellations’ ecological impacts. Meanwhile, SpaceX maintains that environmental assessments could slow innovation, highlighting its collaboration with astronomers to minimize impacts.
