The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has licensed tens of thousands of new satellites for deployment in low Earth orbit (LEO), all without requiring environmental reviews.
This rapid expansion, largely driven by companies like SpaceX, has seen the number of large satellites in LEO increase twelvefold over the past five years. With estimates suggesting an additional 58,000 satellites could be launched by 2030, concerns about the environmental and scientific impacts are growing.
In response, 120 prominent researchers in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science from top universities have sent a letter to the FCC, urging the agency to study the effects of satellite mega-constellations on space, the atmosphere, and the environment.
The experts warn that we are in a critical window to prevent irreversible damage to space and Earth’s atmosphere, rather than spending decades cleaning up the consequences.
The Environmental Toll of Satellite Mega-Constellations
A recent report by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, Environmental Harms of Satellite Internet Mega-Constellations, highlights the potential dangers of these satellite deployments. At peak operation, the report estimates that 29 tons of metal from defunct satellites could re-enter Earth’s atmosphere daily—equivalent to nearly one car falling from space every hour.
This poses risks to both people and the environment. Despite these concerns, the FCC has exempted satellite licenses from environmental reviews since 1986, a policy that researchers argue is outdated and inadequate for today’s scale of space activity.
A Call for Accountability
The letter, addressed to FCC Space Bureau Chief Julie Kearney, was signed by researchers from institutions such as Princeton University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Arizona. It emphasizes the need for caution:
“We shouldn’t rush forward with launching satellites at this scale without making sure the benefits justify the potential consequences of these new mega-constellations being launched, and then re-entering our atmosphere to burn up or create debris.
This is a new frontier, and we should save ourselves a lot of trouble by making sure we move forward in a way that doesn’t cause major problems for our future.”
The Role of SpaceX and Starlink
In 2023, 70% of all satellite launches were for Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX. Starlink has already applied to the FCC for licenses to deploy more than 30,000 satellites.
The researchers are calling on the FCC to follow recommendations from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and end the exemption of satellites from environmental reviews.
Outdated Policies and Unclear Risks
The FCC’s decision to exclude satellites from environmental impact assessments, based on a policy from the 1980s, is increasingly seen as unreasonable given the scale of modern satellite deployments.
The long-term environmental impacts of launching tens of thousands of satellites remain poorly understood, raising concerns about space debris, atmospheric pollution, and interference with astronomical research.
A Plea for Responsible Progress
The researchers stress that the new space race does not have to result in massive space waste or environmental harm. By conducting thorough environmental reviews and adopting responsible practices, the FCC and satellite operators can ensure that the benefits of satellite mega-constellations outweigh their potential risks.
As the letter concludes, “This is a new frontier, and we should save ourselves a lot of trouble by making sure we move forward in a way that doesn’t cause major problems for our future.” The time to act is now, before the window of opportunity to prevent irreversible damage closes.
