Starlink and Satellite Megaconstellations: A Hidden Threat
SpaceX’s Starlink project has revolutionized global internet access, but scientists are sounding the alarm over the unintended consequences of this technological leap. With over 6,000 low-Earth orbit satellites already in operation and tens of thousands more planned, concerns are mounting about safety, pollution, and long-term environmental impact. 🌍 Short Lifespan, Long-Term Impact Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, these low-orbit devices have an average lifespan of just 5–7 years . When they fail or reach the end of their operational life, they re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed, creating fireballs of burning metal and debris. Not everything burns up—some fragments survive the descent and pose a threat upon impact with Earth's surface. ☢️ Pollution from Above Experts warn that these atmospheric re-entries release aluminum oxide and other toxic particles that can affect climate and atmospheric chemistry. Additionally, the increasing number of defun...