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The composition is different though. In particular, these satellites probably have more heavy elements for things like batteries and electronics
by thayne 1y ago
The composition is different though. In particular, these satellites probably have more heavy elements for things like batteries and electronics
- andsoitis 1y agoMeteors contain various heavy metals, primarily iron and nickel, which form metallic cores of asteroids and make up the bulk of many meteorites. They also contain other siderophilic metals, including cobalt, chromium, gold, platinum, iridium, and tungsten. The high concentration of these metals, especially precious metals like gold and platinum, is due to their affinity for sinking to the core of early planets and asteroids, which are remnants of the primordial solar system.
- timschmidt 1y agoFurther, satellites like Starlink's are engineered to burn up on re-entry. Meaning that they are manufactured of materials known to combust at re-entry velocities in thicknesses and shapes appropriate to that end.
- eesmith 1y agoOne key difference is the satellites have a lot of aluminum - a light element - while meteors do not. Estimates I've seen are that the amount of Al in the upper atmosphere will be dominated by satellite demise. And we don't know how that will affect things. The history of CFC and the ozone layer suggests caution.