Megaconstellations of satellites are burning up in our atmosphere, raising concerns about the potential consequences on our environment. With thousands of satellites and millions of pieces of space debris orbiting Earth, researchers are delving into the impact of these burn-ups on our atmosphere.

When looking up at the night sky, it’s not just the stars that catch our attention. Satellites, once they have served their purpose, re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, leaving behind particles that could pose risks to our environment. The exact implications of this process are still being studied, but it is gaining attention as a significant issue that requires further investigation.

There are approximately 11,500 tonnes of space objects orbiting Earth, ranging from small debris to larger objects like spent rocket stages and functioning satellites. SpaceX’s Starlink program alone accounts for over 5,200 satellites, with plans to launch thousands more in the near future. Other companies and countries are also joining the race to deploy megaconstellations of satellites, adding to the growing concern of space debris re-entering our atmosphere.

As satellites like Starlink reach the end of their lifespan, typically around five years, they are deorbited and burn up in the atmosphere. The particles released during this process have the potential to impact our ozone layer, as highlighted in a recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. With the increasing number of satellites being launched, the rate of re-entries into our atmosphere is a cause for concern.

According to Daniel Murphy from NOAA, the sheer volume of satellites being launched, with estimates reaching 50,000 in the near future, raises alarm bells about the frequency of re-entries and their potential environmental effects. Companies like OneWeb and Amazon, along with countries like China, are all contributing to the growing number of satellites in orbit, emphasizing the urgency for further research into the consequences of satellite burn-ups.

The implications of megaconstellations of satellites burning up in our atmosphere are still being unraveled, prompting calls for increased scrutiny and environmental assessments to safeguard our planet from the repercussions of space debris re-entering Earth’s atmosphere.