By Samantha Johnson,
Published by Space is the Limit, 20 March 2023

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and marveled at the beauty of the stars, only to be interrupted by a trail of bright lights moving across the sky? That’s probably the Starlink project by SpaceX, which aims to provide internet access worldwide through a network of satellites. While the idea of connecting remote areas and revolutionizing the way we use the internet is exciting, it has also sparked controversy due to its impact on astronomy and the environment.

Concerns include light pollution affecting astronomical observations, interference with radio astronomy and scientific research, impact on nocturnal animals and ecosystems, and the risk of satellite collisions and space debris. While the potential benefits of Starlink are vast, these issues have led to widespread public debate and calls for increased regulation.

In this article, we examine the impacts and controversies of the Starlink satellite project, including its effects on astronomy, light pollution, and space collisions. The launch of thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit has raised concerns about the impact on astronomical research and the environment. 

The Benefits of Starlink Satellites

Starlink satellites were created to bring internet access to people in remote areas where connectivity is scarce. The satellites work by orbiting the earth and beaming internet signals to the ground, providing a new way for people around the world to connect with each other. 

Improved Internet Connectivity for Remote Areas

One of the main benefits of Starlink satellites is that they can provide improved internet connectivity for people living in remote areas. Traditional internet service providers often struggle to provide high-speed internet access to people living in remote locations due to the lack of infrastructure. Starlink’s satellite-based technology can overcome this obstacle by providing high-speed internet connectivity to remote locations that were previously under-served.

Starlink has brought internet connectivity to several countries that previously had limited or no access, including:

• Remote areas in Canada and the United States
• Rural areas in the United Kingdom and Germany
• Villages and towns in India and Africa

Cost-Effective Satellite Broadband Service

Another benefit of Starlink’s satellite-based technology is that it can provide cost-effective broadband service. As a result of the lower infrastructure requirements, Starlink’s satellite-based service may offer broadband services at a lower cost. Starlink has also partnered with non-profit organizations and governments to provide lower costs for those in rural areas. 

Potential to Bridge the Digital Divide

There is currently a digital divide or a gap between people who have access to the internet and those who do not. This divide is most pronounced in rural areas, where access to the internet is often limited. Starlink’s satellite-based technology has the potential to bridge this gap by providing high-speed internet access to people living in rural and remote areas. By doing so, Starlink could help to bring people who are currently excluded from the digital world, such as farmers and small business owners, into the digital economy.

How Starlink Bridges the Digital Divide in Rural Areas

Imagine a small farmer who lives in a remote area without internet access. They currently have limited access to information about market trends, crop prices, and weather forecasts, which can greatly impact their livelihood. With Starlink, this farmer could have access to high-speed internet, allowing them to easily access this crucial information and make more informed decisions. They could also connect with customers and suppliers online, opening up new markets and opportunities for their business. This is just one example of how Starlink’s technology can help bridge the digital divide and provide new opportunities to people living in remote areas.

The idea of providing global internet access through a satellite constellation is undoubtedly an ambitious and innovative one. With the potential to connect remote areas and revolutionize the way we use the internet, the benefits of such a network are numerous. 

However, as with any groundbreaking project, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences and evaluate whether they outweigh the benefits. The Starlink project by SpaceX has generated a significant amount of controversy due to its impact on both astronomy and the environment. 

The question remains: is it worth the potential negative consequences?

The Negative Impacts of Starlink Satellites

Starlink’s negative impacts on the environment and astronomy are significant. 

As of February 2023, there are over 3,500 Starlink satellites in orbit, with thousands more planned for launch. The reflective surfaces of these satellites cause light pollution, which interferes with astronomical observations and disrupts the natural behavior of nocturnal animals.

Starlink also interferes with radio astronomy and scientific research by using radio frequencies that overlap with those used for astronomical research. Satellite collisions and space debris are significant threats to other observatory/relay satellite operations and space exploration as well.

Let’s break down each issue. 

Light Pollution and Effects on Astronomy

Have you ever tried to stargaze only to find yourself distracted, or even worse, view obstructed, by a train of bright lights moving rapidly across the sky? That’s the sight of Starlink satellites reflecting sunlight and causing light pollution that interferes with astronomical observations. 

In fact, astronomers have reported difficulties in obtaining clear images due to the presence of these satellites, which can also interfere with the work of professional and amateur astronomers, making it challenging to study distant galaxies, asteroids, and other space objects.

Starlink’s Impact on Ground-Based Astronomy Starlink satellites are a threat to astronomical research and are causing frustration for astronomers around the world. Ground-based telescopes capture images of the night sky by taking long exposures, allowing them to gather as much light as possible. The bright trails left by Starlink satellites in their path, however, can ruin these images, causing astronomers to lose valuable time and money. For example, if a telescope was taking a 5-hour exposure and a Starlink satellite crossed its field of view for just a few seconds, that entire exposure would be ruined. This means astronomers would have to repeat the exposure, wasting time and resources. Other examples to consider: – Astronomers at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile reported that they had to adjust their observations due to the presence of Starlink satellites. This caused delays and disruptions in their research. – A team of astronomers studying the nearby galaxies had to discard several hours of their observations due to the passage of Starlink satellites. This disrupted their research and caused frustration among the team. – The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, a state-of-the-art facility currently under construction in Chile, is expected to produce a massive amount of data on the night sky once it becomes operational. Starlink satellites, however, may significantly interfere with its observations, potentially making some of the data unusable. To address these issues, astronomers are advocating for satellite operators to launch dark satellites or install visors to prevent the reflection of sunlight. Some astronomers have even started a campaign called “Dark Skies Matter” to raise awareness about the issue.

The scientific community is greatly concerned about the issue of light pollution from Starlink and is advocating for solutions such as designing less reflective and darker-colored satellites. Implementing solutions to the issue of light pollution caused by Starlink satellites may take time, and there is concern that this delay could negatively impact astronomical research.

Interference with Radio Astronomy and Scientific Research

Another significant impact of Starlink satellites is their interference with radio astronomy and scientific research. Radio astronomers use radio telescopes to observe the universe, and they rely on radio frequencies to detect faint signals from distant objects. The radio signals emitted by Starlink satellites can cause interference and overwhelm the signals from space, making it challenging to obtain accurate data.

Some well-recorded examples of interference: 

Radio Astronomy/Scientific Research	Examples of Interference by Starlink Satellites
Radio Telescopes	Signal overload and degradation of data; interference with data acquisition from Earth-based telescopes; saturation of radio frequency bands, which could prevent the detection of weak signals from distant objects
SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence)	False signals due to satellite transmissions; interference with the search for potential extraterrestrial signals
Atmospheric Research	Interference with measurements of radio waves, which are used to study the Earth’s atmosphere and weather patterns; hindrance to climate change research
Spacecraft Communication	Signal interference affecting spacecraft; potential to disrupt satellite communication with ground-based control systems
GPS (Global Positioning System)	Interference with GPS signals for navigation; potential to affect air traffic control systems and navigation systems on ships and other vehicles
Amateur Astronomy	Interference with observations by amateur astronomers, who rely on radio frequencies and visual systems for observations; limiting opportunities for scientific engagement and public outreach
Wildlife Research	Interference with tracking systems used to study animal behavior and movement patterns; potential to disrupt migratory patterns and wildlife conservation efforts

*This is just a start – there may be more that Starlink can interfere with that is unknown at this time!

This interference is a severe problem for scientific research, especially since radio astronomy is essential to studying the universe’s earliest moments and dark matter. Radio astronomers have raised concerns about Starlink’s impact on their work and are calling for the implementation of stricter regulations to prevent interference.

Impact on Nocturnal Animals and Ecosystems

The impact of Starlink satellites on nocturnal animals and ecosystems is another significant concern. The satellites’ bright reflections disrupt the natural nocturnal environment, causing confusion and disorientation in animals that rely on the darkness for navigation and other activities. 

Disturbing the Peace: The Impact of Satellites on Wildlife It was a peaceful night in the forest, and all the nocturnal animals were out and about, doing what they do best. The stars were shining bright, and the moon provided just enough light for the animals to see. But suddenly, something strange happened – a bright streak of light appeared in the sky, and it was followed by a long trail of bright lights. The animals were confused and disoriented by the sudden change in their environment. The glare from the satellites disrupted their natural nocturnal rhythm, and they struggled to navigate and find food. Some animals, completely startled, even started to migrate prematurely, causing significant disruptions in the ecosystem. Certain birds may panic and refuse to build their nests in locations they’ve seen these strange lights in the sky. Some impacts to consider:  – Animals can become confused and disoriented due to the sudden change in their environment. – Bright reflections from the satellites can disrupt the natural nocturnal rhythm of animals. – The glare from the satellites can interfere with the breeding and migration patterns of animals, causing significant ecological disruptions. – Nocturnal animals such as bats, owls, and some species of birds may be affected by the interference of the satellites, as they rely on darkness for navigation. – Other animals such as sea turtles, who use the reflection of the moon to find their way back to the ocean after hatching, may also be affected.

*There are more studies underway – this will be updated when more studies have been published.

Despite some skepticism that animals may not be affected by the impact of Starlink satellites, research indicates otherwise. Wildlife is highly sensitive to environmental changes, and even small disruptions to their natural habitats can have significant consequences. 

The impact of Starlink satellites on nocturnal animals and ecosystems is a serious concern that must be addressed. We need to find ways to minimize the impact of these satellites on the natural environment, ensuring that the animals and ecosystems can thrive without unnecessary disruptions.

Risk of Satellite Collisions and Space Debris

The launch of thousands of Starlink satellites (among the plethora of others already up there that belong to other companies and countries) raises the risk of collisions in space and the creation of more space debris. 

The accumulation of space debris is already a significant concern, and the addition of more satellites only exacerbates the problem. Collisions between satellites could create a chain reaction of debris and endanger other satellites, space stations, and even astronauts.

How Many is Too Many? 

While the exact number of satellites that can be launched and held in orbit safely is uncertain, it is clear that the current rate of satellite launches is unsustainable. Governments and international organizations must work together to establish regulations and guidelines for satellite launches to ensure the safety of space exploration and operations.

SpaceX and other satellite operators must also accept responsibility for the negative effects of their services, and work to mitigate them. This includes implementing measures such as de-orbiting satellites at the end of their lifespan and minimizing the creation of space debris.

In Perspective: The Numbers of Satellites Currently in Orbit and Planned for Launch

Satellite Operator	# Satellites Launched | # Satellites Planned
SpaceX (Starlink)	3,580 | Up to 42,000
OneWeb	584 | Up to 48,000
Amazon (Project Kuiper)	0 | Up to 3,236
Telesat	0 | Up to 188-298
Facebook (Athena)	0 | Unknown
Boeing (O3b)	2 | 147
Kepler Communications	1 | 140
Planet Labs	200 | 36
Swarm Technologies	120 | 450
Samsung	0 | Up to 4600
Roscosmos (Sfera) Total Number as Country: 170-180	0 | 700 with plans to minimize to 200 for this project
China (Guowang) Total Number as Country: 541	0 | Up to 13,000
Total in Orbit *United States Owned  (As of Feb 2023):	5,798
Total planned: *The sum of chart data only – may not reflect complete count	110,607
**As of the publishing of this article, Starlink currently dominates the low Earth orbit with the most active satellites and planned launches, which is why they are often the subject of discussions about the impact of satellite constellations.  ***The United States owns the most objects in orbit with more than ⅔ of the total belonging to the country and around ¾ of those are owned by Starlink, specifically.

While this particular article focuses on Starlink satellites, it’s important to note that there are other companies and countries planning and launching their own constellations of satellites. 

Wow! That is a LOT of traffic above our heads if you stop and think about it. The numbers are staggering, with over 110,000 satellites planned for launch by various satellite operators between 2024-2035. The sheer amount of satellites in orbit has raised concerns about the impact on astronomy, the environment, and the risk of satellite collisions and space debris. 

With so many satellite constellations planned and in development, it’s crucial that satellite operators take responsibility for the negative impacts of their services and work to mitigate them. Governments and international organizations must also work together to create a regulatory framework that holds satellite operators accountable for any damages caused by their services. 

The Kessler Syndrome

The Kessler Syndrome (also called the Kessler Effect) is a hypothetical scenario in which the density of objects in low Earth orbit is so high that collisions between objects could create a cascading effect, leading to a runaway chain reaction of collisions that would result in an enormous amount of space debris. This debris could then collide with other objects in orbit, creating even more debris and leading to a situation where it would be impossible to safely launch spacecraft or satellites.

The current numbers of satellites and objects in orbit are already staggering, and with the continued deployment of new constellations, the risk of such a scenario becomes increasingly possible. It’s important to note that the Kessler Syndrome is just a theory, but it’s based on scientific observations and models that have been shown to accurately predict the behavior of space debris in orbit.

The consequences of a Kessler Syndrome event would be devastating for both space exploration and satellite operations. Satellites and spacecraft would be at risk of collisions, and the debris would create a barrier around the Earth that would make it difficult to launch new objects into space. This would have a significant impact on our ability to conduct scientific research, as well as communication and navigation systems that rely on satellites.

What the Kessler Effect Might Look Like It’s a dark, starry night, and you’re standing on a hilltop, staring up at the sky. The sky is filled with stars, and you’re in awe of the vastness and beauty of space. You notice a few satellites passing overhead, their lights blinking as they orbit the Earth. Suddenly, you see a bright flash in the sky, followed by a massive explosion. You watch in horror as debris from the explosion spreads out in all directions, creating a cloud of space junk that rapidly expands into an impenetrable wall of debris. As you watch, more satellites collide with the debris, creating even more space junk and adding to the growing wall of debris encircling the Earth. You can see the trail of debris as it moves across the sky, and you realize with growing dread that this debris cloud will make space exploration and satellite operations impossible for decades to come. The impact of the catastrophic event on space debris can be seen through the following: – Loss of important services, such as communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and scientific research. – Encirclement of Earth by an impenetrable wall of debris, making space exploration and satellite operations impossible for years, if not decades, to come. – Creation of a deadly barrier of space junk, resulting from a chain reaction triggered by the catastrophic event. – Collisions of satellites add to the already massive cloud of space debris and exacerbate the problem. – Transformation of the once beautiful and awe-inspiring view of the night sky into a reminder of the devastating impact that space debris can have on our world.

The Kessler Syndrome may sound like science fiction, but it’s a real and growing threat to our planet’s future in space. We must take it seriously and act now to prevent a catastrophic event that could have serious consequences for all of us.

To avoid this scenario, it’s crucial that satellite operators and governments work together to develop effective measures for mitigating space debris and ensuring that new constellations are launched in a responsible and sustainable manner. This includes designing satellites that are less likely to create debris, developing effective space debris removal technologies, and establishing clear guidelines and regulations for satellite launches and operations. 

Regulatory and Legal Challenges

Satellite constellations like Starlink have sparked concerns about space debris, collisions, and their impact on scientific research. But there’s a bigger problem: the lack of international regulations to hold satellite operators accountable. 

To mitigate the negative impacts, ideas like launching the satellites higher, painting them with non-reflective coating, and implementing stricter regulations have been proposed. However, some argue that these measures are not enough and that more significant regulations are needed. 

Liability concerns for damages caused by satellites also remain unclear. To make space accessible for all while preserving the environment, we need a clear framework for accountability and responsible action from satellite operators.

Lack of International Regulations for Satellite Constellations

The negative impacts of satellite constellations on the environment and scientific research has raised concerns among the scientific community and the general public. While SpaceX and other satellite operators have seemed to have taken some steps to mitigate the impacts of their services, some argue that these measures are not enough. 

What International Space Law Says

When it comes to international space law, there are several treaties and agreements that have been established, including the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and the Liability Convention of 1972. These agreements outline basic principles for the use of outer space and provide a framework for the responsibility and liability of space actors. 

However, enforcing these treaties and agreements has proven to be challenging, as there is no global governing body for space. This has led to a situation where space activities are largely self-regulated, with individual countries and companies setting their own guidelines and policies.  As a result, the space industry is currently facing a regulatory gap, and new frameworks must be established to address the emerging challenges of the rapidly evolving space environment.

Current and Proposed Measures to Mitigate the Negative Impacts of Starlink

There are various current and proposed measures to mitigate the negative impacts of Starlink on the environment and astronomy. These measures include painting the satellites with a non-reflective coating, launching the satellites at a higher altitude, and implementing more significant regulations on satellite constellations. SpaceX has taken some steps to address the concerns raised by Starlink’s presence in low Earth orbit, but more action is necessary to ensure that the benefits of the service do not outweigh the risks.

Some Mitigation Strategies That Are Being Considered:

• Painting the satellites with a non-reflective coating: This would help reduce the amount of light pollution caused by Starlink satellites, which interfere with astronomical observations and disrupt the natural behavior of nocturnal animals.
• Launching the satellites at a higher altitude: The higher the altitude, the less impact the satellites have on astronomical observations. This would help to reduce the amount of interference with astronomy research.
• Implementing more significant regulations on satellite constellations: There is currently no international standard for satellite operators to comply with, and this lack of regulation has the potential to create significant negative impacts. Stricter regulations would help to reduce the environmental impact of satellites and ensure that satellite operators are held accountable for any damages caused by their services.
• Adopting sustainable practices: Satellite operators can also reduce their environmental impact by adopting more sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing waste.
• Developing new technologies: There is a need to develop new technologies that can help reduce the impact of satellites on the environment and astronomy. For example, researchers are exploring the use of satellite sensors that can detect and avoid space debris, reducing the risk of collisions.
• Collaborating with other satellite operators: Collaboration between satellite operators can help to reduce the overall impact of satellites on the environment and astronomy. For example, operators can coordinate their satellite deployments to reduce the risk of collisions.
• Raising awareness: Educating the public about the impact of satellites on the environment and astronomy is also essential. By raising awareness, people can make more informed decisions about the products and services they support and demand more sustainable practices from satellite operators.

Liability Concerns for Starlink Satellites

Another significant challenge related to Starlink and other satellite constellations is the question of liability and responsibility for damages caused by these satellites. There is currently no clear set of guidelines regarding liability for damages caused by satellites, and this lack of clarity poses a challenge for individuals and companies affected by Starlink’s negative impacts.

Physical consequences to consider that could result from liability concerns related to Starlink and other satellite constellations: Damage to property: If a satellite were to malfunction or collide with another object in space, it could cause damage to other satellites or spacecraft in orbit. Injury or death: In the unlikely event that a satellite were to fall back to Earth and hit someone or something, it could cause injury or death. Environmental damage: Debris from satellites that fall back to Earth can also pose a risk to the environment, particularly if they contain hazardous materials. Impact on wildlife: The bright lights from satellites can disrupt the natural behavior of nocturnal animals, potentially causing harm to their populations. Interference with infrastructure: Satellites that malfunction or collide with other objects in space can also interfere with critical infrastructure such as communication networks and GPS systems, which could have serious consequences for public safety and national security.

As the number of satellites in orbit continues to grow, it is essential that policymakers and industry leaders work together to establish clear guidelines for liability and responsibility to ensure that the benefits of satellite constellations are realized while minimizing their negative impacts.

Public Opinion and Responses

Starlink has generated a significant amount of public attention and responses, both positive and negative. According to a 2015 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, Americans are divided on the government’s role in space exploration. 

• The survey found that 50% of Americans believe that the government should prioritize space exploration, while 48% believe that private companies should take the lead in this area. 
• Another survey found that 70% of Americans believe that the International Space Station has been a good investment for the country, while 29% believe that it has not been worth the investment.

Protests and Petitions Against Starlink and Other Satellite Constellations

The launch of Starlink and other satellite constellations has also led to protests and petitions from individuals and organizations concerned about the negative impacts on the environment and astronomy. 

Protests and Petitions Related to Satellite Constellations:

Institution & Date	Description
International Dark-Sky Association 2020	Petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to reduce the impact of satellite constellations on astronomy and the environment
National Radio Astronomy Observatory 2020	Protested against SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, citing radio interference with scientific research
European Southern Observatory 2020	Expressed concerns about the impact of satellite constellations on astronomy and requested stricter regulations
American Astronomical Society 2019	Raised concerns about the impact of satellite constellations on astronomy and the environment
Royal Astronomical Society 2019	Called for more research into the impact of satellite constellations on astronomy
World Economic Forum 2019	Raised concerns about the impact of satellite constellations on the environment and urged collaboration to mitigate negative effects
National Science Foundation 2019	Called for a conference to discuss the impact of satellite constellations on astronomy and scientific research
American Geophysical Union 2019	Raised concerns about the impact of satellite constellations on radio astronomy and atmospheric research
Union of Concerned Scientists 2018	Raised concerns about the impact of satellite constellations on the environment and urged companies to take responsibility for the disposal of their satellites
International Astronomical Union 2017	Called for stricter regulations on satellite constellations to mitigate negative impacts on astronomy and scientific research

Despite the combined efforts of concerned individuals and organizations, the push for satellite constellations continues to gain momentum. The scientists who have dedicated their lives to studying the universe, the activists who have fought to preserve our planet, and the general public who have expressed their concerns about the impact of these constellations have all been met with resistance. 

So, What Can We Do? 

The race to dominate space has led to a disregard for the potential consequences of these actions, and it is up to us to continue fighting for a better future. We must not give up on the fight to protect the environment and the wonders of the night sky. It is our responsibility to hold these companies accountable for their actions and to demand a more sustainable approach to space exploration.

With the growing concern over the negative impact of satellite constellations, it’s important to consider what can be done to mitigate these effects. While the issue is complex and multifaceted, there are several potential solutions and compromises that have been proposed to address the concerns of both sides.

• One potential solution is to develop more advanced technology to reduce the negative impacts of satellite constellations on astronomy and the environment. For instance, SpaceX has developed a darkening material that can be applied to the surfaces of its Starlink satellites to reduce their reflectivity and minimize the impact on astronomical observations.
• Another potential solution is to limit the number and brightness of satellites in low Earth orbit. Regulations could be implemented to require satellite operators to take into account the impact of their satellites on the night sky and to limit the number of satellites in orbit at any given time.
• Collaboration with astronomers to find optimal orbits has been proposed as well as implementing transparency in satellite launches, and prioritizing scientific advancements are other ways to address concerns about the negative impact of satellite constellations.

These compromises could very well be the solution that could provide a way forward for satellite operators and concerned individuals and organizations to work together toward a more sustainable and equitable use of space.

Conclusion

Overall, the idea of having thousands of satellites orbiting around our planet may seem exciting, as it opens the door to new possibilities and a better-connected world. However, we cannot ignore the significant negative impacts that come with such a venture, including light pollution, interference with astronomy, wildlife, and ecosystems, and the risk of collisions and space debris.

Many concerns have been raised about the lack of international regulations for satellite constellations like Starlink and who should be held responsible for any damages they cause. While some potential solutions have been proposed, such as reducing the reflectivity of satellites and launching fewer satellites at a time, there is still much work to be done to address these issues.

It’s important to remember that the public has mixed opinions on the use of satellite constellations like Starlink, and stakeholders must engage in open dialogue to find sustainable solutions. It’s not just about the potential benefits, but also the negative impacts on our environment and society that must be considered.

As we move forward with satellite technology, we must prioritize environmental and societal concerns and work together to find solutions that balance progress with sustainability. It’s up to us to ensure that the benefits of satellite constellations do not come at the expense of our planet and future generations.

It is essential to weigh the benefits of providing global internet access against the potential consequences of disrupting our understanding of the universe.

Sources and Further Reading

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• All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dark Skies / Royal Astronomical Society. (2021). Dark skies policy consultation. RAS. https://ras.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dark%20Skies%20Policy%20Consultation%20APPG%20final.pdf
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See: Original Article

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