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Over 100 space researchers have jointly called on the federal government to conduct an environmental review before granting SpaceX permission to continue launching its extensive Starlink satellite network. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized SpaceX to deploy nearly 12,000 satellites into Earth's orbit—more than twice the number of non-SpaceX satellites presently orbiting the planet. SpaceX is now requesting approval from the FCC to launch over 20,000 additional satellites.

Despite evaluating potential harms of satellite constellations, the FCC exempts most telecommunications projects, including satellites, from formal environmental reviews—a policy that stems from regulations established nearly four decades ago. Lucas Gutterman, director of the Designed to Last Campaign at Public Interest Research Groups (PIRG), which organized the letter, highlighted the necessity of an environmental review in weighing the benefits and potential harms of this new technology.

PIRG has already received a response from the FCC and is eager to discuss their concerns with the agency. While the Starlink constellation provides crucial internet coverage to remote areas and disaster-stricken regions, the researchers emphasize that each satellite's end-of-life disposal could inject metals and other compounds into the upper atmosphere. This could potentially disrupt the delicate balance of atmospheric elements and molecules.

"The industry has surged ahead of both regulatory actions and public awareness," Gutterman warned, noting the lack of comprehensive data on the long-term effects of these technologies.

In response to a 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, which recommended the FCC review the environmental impacts of satellite constellations, the FCC agreed with the findings. The researchers who signed the recent letter not only study the atmospheric impact of satellites and rocket launches but also rely on unimpeded skies for their astronomical observations. The increasing number of satellites creates light streaks in telescope images, necessitating more sophisticated methods to mitigate these disruptions.

David Jewitt, a UCLA astronomy professor who endorsed the letter, likened the satellite streaks to "a big marker streak across the page" of an open book. He noted a significant increase in satellite trails in astronomical observations. Jewitt emphasized the importance of finding a balance between the benefits of space technology and the preservation of clear night skies.

The researchers believe that an environmental review of satellite mega-constellations would pave the way for necessary space policy reforms. Currently, international cooperation in satellite regulation is limited, and within the U.S., the oversight is fragmented across various agencies. Establishing clear international standards and streamlining U.S. regulatory processes would benefit both scientists and the space industry, Gutterman concluded.

This is not the first time SpaceX's Starlink project has faced scrutiny. Astronomers have previously raised concerns about satellite reflectivity, prompting SpaceX to coat satellites to reduce their shine. Additionally, the California Coastal Commission recently rejected SpaceX's plan to increase rocket launches from Vandenburg Space Force Base due to concerns about the increasing frequency of launches for Starlink satellites over military missions.