On 23 May, Elon Musk’s space company SpaceX launched 60 satellites at once into low Earth orbit. This was the first instalment of what is planned to be more than 12,000 satellites designed to provide low-cost internet service worldwide. It is a lofty goal; and also one that should provide a decent payout for his company. The use of these satellite “constellations” is lucrative enough that several other private companies are planning to launch their own constellations.
We’ve been putting up satellites since 1957, more than 60 years ago. Today, some 18,000 objects orbit our planet, though only about 2,000 of them actually function anymore. Musk’s new satellites will nearly double the number of orbiting objects. And with more to come it’s clear that space will soon be not nearly as empty as it used to be. Even though each individual satellite is small, they move fast, and in so little time each one is passing through a lot of space.
Astronomers have been the most vocal opponents of this proliferation. The bright streaks of the first 60 satellites, resulting in countless UFO reports during the weeks following their launch, have gradually dimmed as they achieve their planned orbits and orient themselves properly to reflect less sunlight. But just because the naked eye cannot see them so easily now does not mean they do not still present a problem.
20 June 2019, The Tablet
Space is getting crowded
Across the Universe
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