Space datacenters proposed by Musk and Bezos could be ‘catastrophic,’ experts warn
10 reported3 unconfirmed
A new petition filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warns that proposed space datacenters from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others could release staggering levels of pollution, potentially altering Earth's atmosphere. The petition, submitted by the non-profits Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (Peer), Earthjustice, and DarkSky International, calls for a pause on new licenses, arguing the plans violate federal law. Tech companies have proposed millions of orbital datacenters, which would require FCC approval. The petition states that proponents have refused to embrace any inquiry into the environmental, scientific, or economic impacts of their technology. Some former federal US space officials told the Guardian they doubt the projects are feasible, but warn that millions of additional satellites would create significant environmental risk. The number of active satellites has grown from about 1,400 in 2015 to about 15,000 currently, with up to 100,000 expected within the decade, not including datacenter networks.
What’s reported
The petition was filed by Peer, Earthjustice, and DarkSky International.
Tech companies have proposed millions of orbital datacenters requiring FCC approval.
Pollution from satellites and rockets burning up upon re-entry appears to be accumulating in the stratosphere.
Some scientists fear the pollution could destroy the ozone layer or expose people to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation.
The number of active satellites has grown from about 1,400 in 2015 to about 15,000 currently.
As many as 100,000 satellites are expected in orbit within the decade, not including datacenter networks.
The bulk of current satellite pollution is thought to come from Starlink and Amazon's mega constellations of about 10,000 satellites.
A Noaa-sponsored stratospheric measurement flight in late 2023 found metals in sulfuric acid aerosols in the stratosphere.
The petition states that Cowboy Space Corporation, founded by the billionaire co-CEO of Robinhood, wants a 20,000-satellite system with a first launch in 2028.
SpaceX claims in its FCC application that its orbital datacenters will ensure "humanity's multi-planetary future," but offers no detail on environmental mitigation.
Open questions
The full environmental consequences of the proposed space datacenters remain unknown.
How spacecraft metals, naturally occurring metals, and sulfuric acid aerosols interact is "largely unknown," according to scientists behind the 2023 study.
Further research on the impacts has not been conducted under the Trump administration.
Key figures
Steve Volz, former head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) satellite office
Ruskin Hartley, executive director of DarkSky International
Cole Donovan, former Noaa space policy expert now with Stand Up for Science non-profit
Cowboy Space Corporation, founded by the billionaire co-CEO of Robinhood
Sources: The Guardian
