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Practically even LEO ain't "unlimited" space, theoretically an oversaturation of objects in LEO could lead to Kessler syndrome [0] Practically the presence of
by freeflight 6y ago
Practically even LEO ain't "unlimited" space, theoretically an oversaturation of objects in LEO could lead to Kessler syndrome [0]
Practically the presence of Starlight satellites already has an impact on the work of astronomers, an issue that will only get worse as more of them are sent up [1].
That's not to belittle how cool the whole thing is, but it's kind of disheartening how we've already managed to pollute pretty much every place on the planet, and are now on our way to even polluting the space around our planet.
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kessler_syndrome https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kessler_syndrome
[1] https://teachingkidsnews.com/2020/02/03/are-too-many-satellites-ruining-our-view-of-space/ https://teachingkidsnews.com/2020/02/03/are-too-many-satelli...
- bryanlarsen 6y agoKessler syndrome might start to be a problem once they reach a billion satellites or so. Space is big, all of these satellites have active control, and if a couple lose active control the orbit is so low they will deorbit in a couple of years. Kessler syndrome would destroy SpaceX, so they're more aware of it than random internet people. As for light pollution, see my other comment https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26036269 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26036269