• Scientists urge the FCC to review satellite launches.
• There are unclear environmental risks from projects like Starlink.

The number of satellites orbiting Earth has surged dramatically, from around 1,000 in 2010 to over 10,000 today. As reported by Business Insider, the growth shows no signs of slowing. A government report estimates that an additional 58,000 satellites could be launched by 2030, with major players like SpaceX, OneWeb, Amazon, and China’s government trying to bring internet connectivity to every corner of the planet.

But scientists are concerned about the environmental consequences of the rapid expansion. According to research, the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful solar radiation, could be at risk.

In October, around 100 scientists signed a letter requesting the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to hit pause on mega-constellation projects. “We should look before we leap,” the letter stated, warning the environmental consequences of launching and the burning up of such a vast number of satellites remain unclear.

Elon Musk, whose Starlink network accounts for over half of the active satellites in orbit, has often pushed back against regulations affecting his companies. SpaceX has filed plans to launch 30,000 more satellites on top of its existing fleet of more than 5,000.

Burning satellites and atmospheric risks

The environmental concerns aren’t limited to satellite launches, which emit pollutants like carbon dioxide and black carbon. Once satellites outlive their usefulness, they are designed to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, releasing materials such as aluminium and various heavy metals into the upper atmosphere.

Studies indicate that future mega-constellations could inject up to 21 times more aluminium oxides into the atmosphere than takes place now. Oxides could linger for decades, potentially depleting the ozone layer. There is also the possibility of unforeseen consequences, cautioned atmospheric scientist Nilton Renno, one of the letter’s co-signers.

Although satellite pollution is currently dwarfed by other industries, researchers are keeping an eye on its growing footprint. One study found that about 10% of aerosol particles in the stratosphere now contain metals from satellites and spacecraft—a figure that could climb to 50% in the coming decades.

Calls for environmental oversight

The scientists’ letter called on the FCC to review the environmental impact of mega-constellations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Currently, satellites are excluded from such reviews, which the letter describes as out of step with the scale of the problem.

The FCC has stated that it intends to revisit NEPA laws in response to updates to government-wide policies. If it is determined that satellite constellations have a major impact on the atmosphere, environmental reviews could become mandatory.

However, not everyone agrees that halting satellite launches is the answer. Michelle Hanlon, an expert in air and space law, contends that the industry would continue to operate overseas even if the United States imposed stricter rules. “We can shut down the American space industry and [there are] still going to be launches,” she said.

Regulatory tensions ahead

The future of environmental oversight may face additional hurdles, particularly under a pro-business administration. Elon Musk, recently tapped by former President Trump to lead a proposed Department of Government Efficiency, has expressed disdain for what he calls “needless regulation.”

SpaceX has already clashed with environmental regulators, including the FAA and the California Coastal Commission over reviews tied to its launch sites and operations. The company has accused regulators of being politically biased and obstructing progress.

With tens of thousands of satellites potentially entering orbit in the coming years, the full environmental impact of mega-constellations is unknown. For the time being, scientists are urging caution, arguing that robust studies are required before venturing farther into uncharted territory.

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