https://www.pcmag.com/news/astronomers-push-fcc-to-halt-new-starlink-launches-citing-environment

* Skip to Main Content
[ ] Menu

  * #AllAboutEVs
  * #ConnectedTraveler
  * [ ] Best Products
      + The Best Laptops for 2024
      + The Best PCs (Desktop Computers) for 2024
      + The Best Tablets for 2024
      + The Best Phones for 2024
      + The Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2024
      + The Best External Hard Drives for 2024
      + The Best All-in-One Printers for 2024
      + The Best TVs for 2024
      + The Best Headphones for 2024
      + The Best Robot Vacuums for 2024
      + The Best VPN Services for 2024
      + The Best Antivirus Software for 2024
      + The Best Password Managers for 2024
      + The Best Web Hosting Services for 2024
      + The Best Video Editing Software for 2024
      + The Best Graphics Cards for 2024
      + The Best Gaming Laptops for 2024
      + The Best Printers for 2024
      + The Best Monitors for 2024
      + See All Best Products
  * Comparisons
  * Reviews
  * How-To
  * News
  * Opinions
  * Deals
  * [ ] PCs & Hardware
      + Laptops
      + Desktop Computers
      + Tablets
      + Monitors
      + Hard Drives
      + SSDs
      + Network Attached Storage
      + Wi-Fi Routers
      + Wi-Fi Range Extenders
      + Wi-Fi Mesh Networking Systems
      + Printers
      + 3D Printers
      + Scanners
      + Webcams
      + Computer Mice
      + Keyboards
      + Graphics Cards
      + Processors
      + Motherboards
      + PC Cases
  * [ ] Mobile
      + Mobile Phones
      + Wireless Carriers
      + Modems & Hotspots
      + Bluetooth Headsets
      + Mobile Phone Accessories
      + Mobile Apps
      + Android Apps
      + iPhone Apps
      + iPad Apps
  * [ ] Electronics
      + TVs
      + Projectors
      + Media Streaming Devices
      + Headphones
      + Speakers
      + Ebook Readers
      + Cameras
      + Lenses
      + Drones
      + VR
      + Electric & Hybrid Cars
      + Car Accessories
  * [ ] Smart Home
      + Smart Home
      + Home Security
      + Home Security Cameras
      + Robot Vacuums
      + Smart Displays
      + Smart Lighting
      + Smart Locks
      + Smart Plugs
      + Smart Thermostats
      + Smart Lawn Mowers
      + Appliances
      + Connected Kitchen
  * [ ] Health & Fitness
      + Health & Fitness
      + Wearables
      + Fitness Trackers
      + Heart Rate Monitors
      + Smart Scales
      + Medical Alert Systems
  * [ ] Gaming
      + Gaming Hardware
      + Gaming Systems
      + Gaming Controllers & Accessories
      + Games
      + PC Games
      + Microsoft Xbox Games
      + Nintendo Games
      + Sony Playstation Games
      + Mobile Games
      + Game Streaming Services
  * [ ] Software & Services
      + Artificial Intelligence (AI)
      + Operating Systems
      + Productivity
      + System Utilities
      + Photo & Design
      + Education
      + Website & App Building Tools
      + Communications
      + Personal Finance
      + Accounting
      + E-Commerce & Payments
      + Human Resources
      + IT Management
      + Sales & Marketing
      + Streaming Video
      + Streaming Music
      + Dating Apps
      + DNA Testing Kits
      + Meal Kits
  * [ ] Security
      + Security
      + Security Suites
      + Antivirus
      + VPN
      + Password Managers
      + Parental Control
      + Malware Removal
      + Ransomware Protection
  * [ ] Events
      + Amazon Prime Day
      + Apple WWDC
      + Black Friday
      + Black Hat
      + CES
      + Comic Con
      + Computex
      + Cyber Monday
      + E3
      + Google I/O
      + IFA
      + Microsoft Build
      + Mobile World Congress (MWC)
      + Presidents' Day
      + RSAC
      + SXSW
      + Samsung Unpacked
      + Summer of Gaming
  * [ ] Series
      + 5G
      + Accessibility Technology
      + Advertising Content
      + Amplify
      + Android
      + Apple
      + Back to School Tech
      + Business Choice
      + Connected Traveler
      + Fast Forward
      + Fastest ISPs
      + Fastest Mobile Networks
      + Forward Thinking
      + Get Organized
      + Holiday Gift Guide
      + How to Work From Home
      + IT Watch
      + In Depth
      + Moms, Dads & Grads Gift Guide
      + NextCar
      + PCMag Picks
      + PCMag Turns 40!
      + Readers' Choice
      + Refresh Your Tech
      + Retro Computing
      + Rigged Up
      + Robotics
      + Science & Space
      + SecurityWatch
      + TechX Awards
      + The Best of the Year
      + The Pop-Off
      + The Why Axis
      + Weekend Project
      + Windows 11
  * Newsletters

 
PCMag Nav Logo PCMag Nav Logo Hover
PCMag Nav Mobile Logo
#AllAboutEVs #ConnectedTraveler Best Products Comparisons Reviews
How-To News Deals
[                    ]

  * {X-HTML Replaced}

PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy
through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support
our testing.

 1. Home
 2. News
 3. Networking

Astronomers Push FCC to Halt New Starlink Launches, Citing
Environment

The group of 120 astronomers and space experts urge the FCC to study
the environmental effects of 'mega constellations' before approving
more launches.

 
Michael Kan
By Michael Kan
October 24, 2024
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Social Share
Reddit Pinterest Flipboard LinkedIn Email
Copied
Error!
 
Copy Link
https://www.pcmag.com/news/
astronomers-push-fcc-to-halt-new-starlink-launches-citing-environment
Comments
Satellite constellation (Credit: Fotograzia via Getty Images)

A group of 120 astronomers and space experts is calling for a pause
on new Starlink launches from SpaceX until the US can fully
investigate the environmental effects of large satellite
constellations. 

"We can have affordable internet for everyone without surrounding our
globe with tens or hundreds of thousands of disposable satellites
that could harm our environment," the group says. 

In a letter to the FCC, the astronomers voiced concern about the rise
of "mega constellations" from companies racing to develop low-Earth
orbiting satellite communication systems. 

    This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has
    been removed.

SpaceX has been at the forefront, operating over 6,000 Starlink
satellites, or what amounts to about 60% of all active spacecraft
around Earth. In addition, the company is making a new push to
increase the Starlink constellation to nearly 30,000 satellites in an
effort to improve the system's internet speeds and latency. 

When they reach end of life, Starlink satellites are designed to burn
up in the Earth's atmosphere. That's a problem, according to the
astronomers, since the environmental impact of launching and
disposing of tens of thousands of satellites is unclear, although an
initial study suspects doing so might disrupt the Earth's ozone
layer. 

"What we do know is that more satellites and more launches lead to
more damaging gasses and metals in our atmosphere," the letter says.
"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."

The consumer advocacy nonprofit Public Interest Research Group 
publicized the astronomers' letter on Thursday and added: "At peak
deployment of these disposable satellites, 29 tons of metal will
re-enter our atmosphere per day. That's almost like a car falling
from space into our atmosphere every hour, which could be dangerous
to both people and the environment." But that's only if SpaceX
receives FCC clearance to launch over 40,000 low-Earth orbiting
satellites.

The letter asks the FCC to follow a 2022 recommendation from the US
Government Accountability Office (GAO) that also urged the FCC to
conduct a federal environmental review of large satellite
constellations. "Regulators should also ask if we really need
multiple disposable constellations competing for the same limited
space," the astronomers write.

The letter also calls out the FCC's current approach of allegedly
sidestepping environmental reviews for satellite approvals.
"Excluding all 24 applications for mega-constellations is absurd
given the unprecedented pace at which the FCC is granting licenses,"
the astronomers said, later adding: "That launching 30,000 to 500,000
satellites into low earth orbit doesn't even warrant an environmental
review offends common sense."

Recommended by Our Editors

 
Starlink logo
Cellular Starlink Powered 'Hundreds of Thousands' of Texts After
Hurricanes
 
Starlink dish
Maine To Offer Free Starlink Dishes To Bring Internet To Remote
Locations
 
Elon Musk
Musk to Sue Calif. Commission for Citing His Political Rhetoric in
Starlink Decision

The FCC didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. In 2022,
the commission told the GAO it would review whether large satellite
constellations should face environmental scrutiny--but not until the
White House Council on Environmental Quality finished revising its
own regulations. That appears to have been completed in April.

SpaceX has previously argued that requiring environmental reviews of
Starlink risks undermining US competitiveness and innovation in the
space industry.

"As a part of these efforts, SpaceX has collaborated extensively with
the astronomy community and has designed its satellites to minimize
the impact on the Earth environment," the company told the FCC in
2022.

Get Our Best Stories!

Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your
inbox every morning.

Email [                    ]
Sign Up
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links.
Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of
Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at
any time.


Thanks for signing up!

Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!

Sign up for other newsletters

About Michael Kan

Senior Reporter

Michael Kan
 
 
 

I've been working as a journalist for over 15 years--I got my start as
a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City and joined PCMag in
2017.

Read Michael's full bio

Read the latest from Michael Kan

  * China May Have Hacked Trump's Phone
  * Waymo Raises $5.6 Billion, Eyes Expanding Fleet of Self-Driving
    Cars
  * AST SpaceMobile: SpaceX Is a Bully, Uses Anticompetitive Tactics
  * Apple Offers $1 Million Bug Bounty to Anyone Who Can Hack Its AI
    Servers
  * Cable Companies Sue to Stop FTC's 'Click to Cancel' Rule
  * More from Michael Kan

Advertisement

Further Reading

AST SpaceMobile: SpaceX Is a Bully, Uses Anticompetitive Tactics
AST SpaceMobile: SpaceX Is a Bully, Uses Anticompetitive Tactics
By Michael Kan
Putin Asked Elon Musk Not to Deploy Starlink in Taiwan
Putin Asked Elon Musk Not to Deploy Starlink in Taiwan
By Kate Irwin
Cellular Starlink Powered 'Hundreds of Thousands' of Texts After
Hurricanes
Cellular Starlink Powered 'Hundreds of Thousands' of Texts After
Hurricanes
By Michael Kan
Unraveling the Doom Loop: FCC to Probe ISPs, Carriers for Bad
Customer Support
Unraveling the Doom Loop: FCC to Probe ISPs, Carriers for Bad
Customer Support
By Michael Kan
Dish Network Kicks Off Another Spectrum Battle With SpaceX
Dish Network Kicks Off Another Spectrum Battle With SpaceX
By Michael Kan
AT&T Plays Catch-Up With Mobile Rivals, Offers Free Trial of Its
Network
AT&T Plays Catch-Up With Mobile Rivals, Offers Free Trial of Its
Network
By Michael Kan
Intelsat Satellite Mysteriously Breaks Up in Earth's Orbit
Intelsat Satellite Mysteriously Breaks Up in Earth's Orbit
By Michael Kan
Maine To Offer Free Starlink Dishes To Bring Internet To Remote
Locations
Maine To Offer Free Starlink Dishes To Bring Internet To Remote
Locations
By Michael Kan
PCMag Newsletters
PCMag Newsletters
Our Best Stories in Your Inbox
Follow PCMag

  *  
  *  
  *  
  *  
  *  
  *  

Honest, Objective, Lab-Tested Reviews

PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based,
independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert
industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying
decisions and get more from technology.

How We Test Editorial Principles

  * Reviews
  * Best Products
  * Categories
  * Brands
  * Events
  * Series
  * Newsletters
  * Encyclopedia
  * Sitemap

  * About PCMag
  * Careers
  * Contact Us
  * Press Center

  * Ziffmedia Logo
  * Askmen Logo
  * Extremetech Logo
  * ING Logo
  * Lifehacker Logo
  * Mashable Logo
  * Offers Logo
  * RetailMeNot Logo
  * Speedtest Logo

(c) 1996-2024 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. All Rights
Reserved.

PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered
trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without
explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade
names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or
the endorsement of PCMag. If you click an affiliate link and buy a
product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.

  * About Ziff Davis
  * Privacy Policy
  * Terms of Use
  * Advertise
  * Accessibility
  * Do Not Sell My Personal Information

  * AdChoices image pixel AdChoices
  * TRUSTe Logo TRUSTe Logo
  * Better Business Bureau (BBB) Logo