The challenge of satellite megaconstellations

Massey, Robert; Lucatello, S.; Benvenuti, P.

doi:10.1038/s41550-020-01224-9

Cited by 37 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Finally, we would be remiss not to mention the threats posed by mega-constellations to astronomy, although for a detailed discussion we refer to other recent work [37][38][39][40][41] . Briefly, astronomers pushed for reductions in the number and brightness of Starlink satellites after an image from a telescope in Chile was ruined.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Satellite mega-constellations create risks in Low Earth Orbit, the atmosphere and on Earth

Boley

Byers

2021

Sci Rep

105

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The rapid development of mega-constellations risks multiple tragedies of the commons, including tragedies to ground-based astronomy, Earth orbit, and Earth’s upper atmosphere. Moreover, the connections between the Earth and space environments are inadequately taken into account by the adoption of a consumer electronic model applied to space assets. For example, we point out that satellite re-entries from the Starlink mega-constellation alone could deposit more aluminum into Earth’s upper atmosphere than what is done through meteoroids; they could thus become the dominant source of high-altitude alumina. Using simple models, we also show that untracked debris will lead to potentially dangerous on-orbit collisions on a regular basis due to the large number of satellites within mega-constellation orbital shells. The total cross-section of satellites in these constellations also greatly increases the risk of impacts due to meteoroids. De facto orbit occupation by single actors, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and the possibility of free-riding exacerbate these risks. International cooperation is urgently needed, along with a regulatory system that takes into account the effects of tens of thousands of satellites.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Satellite mega-constellations create risks in Low Earth Orbit, the atmosphere and on Earth

Boley

Byers

2021

Sci Rep

105

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“…Numerous studies have highlighted the negative effects that large LEO constellations are likely to have on ground-and space-based astronomical observations across a range of wavelengths (Hainaut & Williams 2020;Levchenko et al 2020;McDowell 2020). Satellite streak contamination in astronomical imaging is by no means a new issue, but the vast numbers and low altitudes involved in maintaining LEO constellations look set to exacerbate the problem, particularly for wide-field systems such as the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which will look to study large parts of the sky at any one time, thus resulting in a high probability of field contamination (Massey et al 2020). An example of a contaminated wide-field image is provided in Figure 6.…”

Section: Looking Aheadmentioning

confidence: 99%

Looking out for a sustainable space

Blake

2022

Preprint

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“…Recently, astronomers have spoken against the launch of mega-constellations by NewSpace corporations, which could increase the threat of collision and disrupt astronomical observations (Hainaut and Williams 2020;Radtke et al 2017). Th is could "imperil scientifi c progress and humanity's access to dark skies" in the name of "technological and socio-economic advancements" (Massey et al 2020). In these narratives, astronomers consider debris as just one part of their concern with the crowding of orbital space and its impact on scientifi c endeavor.…”

Section: Orbital Debris: Risk and Mitigationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Out of Place in Outer Space?

Hunter

Nelson

2021

Environment and Society

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Increasing human activity in orbital space has resulted in copious material externalities known as “orbital debris.” These objects threaten the orbital operations of hegemonic stakeholders including states, corporations, and scientists, for whom debris present a significant problem. We argue that the geographical imaginations of powerful stakeholders shape conceptions of orbital debris and limit engagement with these objects. By engaging with interdisciplinary literature that considers orbital debris and geographical imaginations of outer space, we encourage a more capacious approach to orbital debris that goes beyond hegemonic narratives focused on functionality. We explore the connections between debris and injustice, arguing that these objects must also be considered in relation to terrestrial power and ecology. We then contemplate the possibilities that counter-hegemonic framings present when considering speculative futures of orbital space. In these ways, we explore how and why debris are variously engaged with as pollutants, risks, opportunities, or otherwise.

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The challenge of satellite megaconstellations

Cited by 37 publications

References 4 publications

Satellite mega-constellations create risks in Low Earth Orbit, the atmosphere and on Earth

Satellite mega-constellations create risks in Low Earth Orbit, the atmosphere and on Earth

Looking out for a sustainable space

Out of Place in Outer Space?

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