Constellations of satellites offer global internet access, but a growing number of astronomers are speaking out about the risks of glutting Amazon strives to compete with Starlink, thousands of satellites are already in orbit, with thousands more anticipated to in the near future. The growing volume of internet satellites is contributing to the greater problem of space junk, which threatens to accelerate rates of catastrophic collisions in space, interfere with space research, and even escalate risks for those of us living below.
Humans are messy. When we launch things into space we leave a wake of orbital debris, or space junk, behind. Much of the rubbish orbiting the planet is massive, including failed or decommissioned satellites, but even minute debris, like that which was created by Russia’s recent anti-satellite test, can wreak havoc if it collides with other objects in orbit. Such debris has a second life as a near-constant threat to scientific and commercial endeavors that are trying to share the same space, putting satellites, spacecraft, and astronauts at risk. But the trash left behind in space is only part of the equation. What goes up must eventually come down, which could mean trouble for those of us down on Earth.
The creation of space junk shows no sign of abating, and experts are increasingly concerned over its largely unchecked growth. Approval has already been given for Internet satellite constellations continue to grow in number and size, risk grows both in Earth and space.
The Race To Control Space Junk
As the space junk issue escalates, so does the motivation to find some sort of solution. Proposals run the gamut of outlandishness, with some pledging to trap space debris with nets, stab it with harpoons, or decimate it with lasers. Such suggestions may indeed be the future, but they are also costly and, in some cases, unlikely to be feasible. A growing industry seeks to manage the space debris problem by, somewhat ironically, launching yet more satellites. Some promise to operate not unlike tugboats, sending decommissioned satellites down to Earth’s atmosphere to (hopefully) burn up on re-entry.
Others, like NorthStar Earth & Space, continuously monitor space debris to help those sharing orbit avoid catastrophe. Stewart Bain, the company’s co-founder and CEO, wrote via email that when he and his team realized that the world’s economy was moving spaceward, they also recognized a looming sustainability issue. Bain wrote that “Earth and Space are inextricably linked as a complete ecosystem. The ability for these two critical and finite resources to replenish are being outstripped by our voracious appetite to expand and do more.” Companies like Bain’s fill a crucial need by preventing in-space collisions that would create more space debris, but the issue of super-saturating Earth’s orbit remains. If companies and countries alike cannot be incentivized to responsibly manage their space garbage, even the most inventive solutions seem destined to be overwhelmed.
Satellite internet has been heralded as a great equalizer, which can bring services to the people who have historically been without. However, as low Earth orbit becomes increasingly crowded, the need to develop long-term solutions for the issue of orbital debris is growing urgent. As more commercial interests set their eyes on space, it is essential that they also develop sustainable sunset plans.
Source: Ronald Drimmel/Twitter