There are too many satellites in orbit

The Problem with Satellite Megaconstellations

Satellite megaconstellations are networks of tens of thousands of satellites operated by for-profit corporations in Low Earth Orbit. They present significant environmental and safety concerns.

What is Kessler Syndrome?—
Space Debris and Collisions

Everything in Low Earth Orbit travels at speeds of several kilometers per second, much faster than a bullet. Collisions between satellites within these constellations or even between satellites and tiny, untracked pieces of space junk could be catastrophic. Any collision that generates debris within a dense orbital shell of a megaconstellation like Starlink could result in secondary collisions, generating more debris, resulting in tertiary collisions. The probability of having a chain of collisions increases as more and more satellites are put into orbit. This runaway collisional cascade in orbit is called The Kessler Syndrome.

Environmental Impact

Megaconstellations generate significant atmospheric pollution both on launch and on re-entry. The effects of this significant atmospheric pollution is unknown, but many scientists are very worried.

Re-Entry Risk

Pieces of space junk are regularly making it to the ground in uncontrolled re-entries. While the casualty risk is minuscule for any one individual, the casualty risk across the whole world population is up to several percent per year.

Light Pollution and Astronomy Impact

The proliferation of megaconstellations, such as Starlink, OneWeb, and Project Kuiper, threatens research astronomy, casual and cultural stargazing, and space exploration.

With 65,000 satellites, a significant change will be visible in the night sky worldwide, particularly at latitudes of 50-55 degrees North and South.