At present, there are around 13,000 satellites orbiting Earth, with roughly 10,000 of them functioning. However, the number of satellites in orbit is set to increase drastically by 2030, with 50,000 new satellites expected to be launched.
This significant increase is primarily due to the rise of Internet megaconstellations like SpaceX’s Starlink and other satellite projects. Currently, there are approximately 8,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, with nearly 6,500 of them being Starlink satellites.
SpaceX plans to deploy 12,000 satellites and is seeking approval for an additional 30,000, while other companies, like Amazon, are also planning their own megaconstellations.
The influx of satellites in low Earth orbit raises concerns about potential collisions and environmental impacts. Scientists warn that megaconstellations could harm the ozone layer, which protects the planet from harmful UV rays.
When satellites are decommissioned, they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and release aluminum oxide particles, which can damage the ozone layer by catalyzing chemical reactions. These particles can linger in the atmosphere for decades, further depleting the ozone.
Research published in the Geophysical Research Journal in 2024 revealed that a single satellite can release a significant amount of aluminum oxide particles, which can accumulate over time and contribute to ozone depletion.
The continuous deployment of megaconstellations could inject large amounts of aluminum oxide into the upper atmosphere every year, significantly increasing the risk of ozone layer damage.
The short lifespan of internet satellites in low Earth orbit poses additional challenges, as they need to be actively removed or they will burn up in the atmosphere. SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, for example, could be pulled out of orbit within five years if not removed.
The constant re-entry of decommissioned satellites could release a stream of burnt-out material into the atmosphere, exacerbating the environmental impact. Scientists predict a significant increase in satellite re-entries in the coming years, which could further impact the ozone layer.
It may take several decades before the full extent of satellite re-entry impacts the ozone layer, but the rapid growth of megaconstellations poses a significant risk to ozone layer recovery efforts.
Future research collaborations are being formed to study the direct link between decommissioned satellites and ozone depletion, aiming to quantify the environmental risks associated with satellite combustion.
This article addresses the query posed by Claudine Best from Dorset: “Do satellites burning in the atmosphere pose a threat to the environment?”
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com