Scientists Urge FCC to Assess Environmental Impact of Satellite Launches

Growing Satellite Constellations and Environmental Concerns

The rapid expansion of satellite constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has prompted scientists to call for a reassessment of regulatory approaches concerning their environmental impacts. Recently, 120 astronomy researchers appealed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), urging an end to the exemption of satellite launches from environmental reviews. This appeal is largely directed at SpaceX’s Starlink and similar ventures, which are significantly contributing to an increase in the number of orbiting satellites.

Historical Context and Current State

Since 1986, the FCC has excluded satellite launches from the comprehensive environmental assessments mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This exclusion has led to a situation where applications to launch satellite constellations are approved without thorough environmental scrutiny. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) advised the FCC as early as November 2022 to reconsider its stance, noting the potential environmental harm of such activities.

Currently, there are over 10,000 satellites circling our planet, with SpaceX’s Starlink contributing more than 6,000 satellites to this number. The surge in satellite launches is not limited to the present; forecasts, such as the GAO's 2022 report, predict the launch of an additional 58,000 satellites by 2030, with further projections suggesting a total exceeding 500,000 satellites in the future.

Environmental Impacts and Scientific Concerns

The environmental concerns stem from the lack of comprehensive reviews of the atmospheric and terrestrial impacts caused by satellite deorbiting. Satellites, upon completing their missions, often burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere, releasing metals and other materials. According to physicist Sierra Solter-Hunt from Astroplane, debris from Starlink's planned satellite deorbits could result in 29 tons of waste daily, potentially threatening atmospheric integrity and human health.

These scientific assertions stress the need to understand the environmental cost of launching and deorbiting such large numbers of satellites. Solter-Hunt emphasizes that the issue is not merely about the potential harm from chemicals, but also the sheer volume of conductive materials being introduced into the atmosphere.

The Call for Regulatory Action

Astronomy researchers argue that the dismissal of an environmental review for the launch of tens to hundreds of thousands of satellites defies logic and responsible environmental stewardship. Their appeal underlines the necessity for the FCC to adapt its policies, ensuring thorough analysis aligns with the rapid technological advancements and their environmental implications.

With projects like Amazon's Project Kuiper poised to deploy additional constellations, the call to action extends beyond SpaceX, addressing a broader need for policy evolution to safeguard planetary health and sustainability.