The Starlink satellites cover the entire earth. New ones are constantly being added.Image: satellitemap.space
Science News
SpaceX’s planned satellite networks could significantly light up the night sky. Astronomers warn of massive consequences for sky observation and health.
July 2, 2026, 2:46 p.mJuly 2, 2026, 2:46 p.m
Steve Haak / t-online
Elon Musk’s company SpaceX has already launched thousands of satellites into space, with more to follow in the coming years. The company’s application to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) calls for up to one million additional satellites. There are also plans from other companies such as the US start-up Reflect Orbital, which wants to launch large, mirror-like satellites into space to reflect sunlight back to Earth at night.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) is now warning of the consequences of such mega constellations. The research organization operates large telescope systems such as the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in the Chilean Atacama Desert. In a study, the ESO has now come to the conclusion that the planned satellite constellations could have drastic consequences, and not just for astronomy.
“The deployment of thousands of satellites has economic, environmental and astronomical consequences,” says ESO astronomer Olivier Hainaut. Light pollution from extremely bright satellite networks can affect health and life on Earth “by disrupting biological rhythms and ecosystems.”
Rocket launches worsen air quality
“Large constellations also have a direct impact on air quality,” says Hainaut. The numerous rocket launches required to build and maintain thousands of satellites would cause air quality to deteriorate. Atmospheric pollution also arises when the satellites burn up at the end of their service life when they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
According to the study, the placement of over 1.7 million satellites in Earth orbit would have “devastating consequences” for astronomy. “So far we have been able to manage the situation, but it is becoming more and more critical,” says Hainaut.
In order to ensure long-term observation of the night sky with modern telescopes, the number of satellites in Earth orbit should not exceed 100,000 faint objects, according to the ESO study.
SpaceX dominates Earth orbit
Since 2019, the number of satellites in orbit has increased to over 14,000. According to ESO, SpaceX’s Starlink telecommunications satellites are largely responsible for this. The total number of satellites increases to 32,000, “if inactive satellites and space debris are included”.
The European Space Agency (ESA) also warns of the danger of space debris. Their director of mission operations, Rolf Densing, said in an interview with t-online that the situation was serious. “It is becoming increasingly crowded in orbit.”
In the event of a collision, there is a risk of an avalanche of debris. “Collisions create new debris, which in turn can trigger further collisions.” At some point the growth will become exponential and can no longer be stopped. Individual orbits would become practically unusable due to flying scrap particles, says Densing.
ESO study leader Hainaut also sees it this way: “Low Earth orbit is a cosmic coastline that is of immense value for modern life – from global connectivity to our unobstructed view of the universe.” One must ensure that “this resource remains untouched and accessible for future generations”.
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