120 researchers express concerns over uncertain environmental impact and low regulations.
The researchers and astronomers sent a letter to Julie Kearney, chief of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Space Bureau, expressing concerns about the FCC’s “first-come, first-served basis” approach to issuing launch licenses. Under this policy, Starlink has launched over 6,000 low-orbit technologies in the last five years, which now constitute 60 percent of all satellites currently in space.
The space experts urged the agency to investigate these “mega constellations“ environmental impact before approving more launches. The researchers wrote, “This is a new frontier, and we should save ourselves a lot of trouble by making sure we move forward in a way that doesn’t cause major problems for our future.”
“Until extensive coordination is in place, we shouldn’t let the commercial interests first to launch determine the rules,” they concluded.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Chair Rosenworcel and FCC commissioners as they consider the researchers’ request.
- For U.S. space officials to be discerning about the environmental impact of satellites and other objects in space.
Sources: The Hill, PCMag
