While the race to blanket the sky with satellites for high-speed internet is in the news, physicist Sierra Solter arises with a due concern. Her year-long study unveils a looming threat: the cluttering up of the artificial satellites in the ionosphere and magnetosphere of the earth which consequently could disrupt the crucial magnetic field of our planet. The demand for space by the private companies will continue to grow, according to Dr. Jonathan McDowell, who is fearful that they could have as many as 100,000 satellites in orbit within 10-15 years, which would sound the alarm for the environment.
These satellites, although they have made the human presence in outer space possible and financially rewarding, may one day turn the protective shield of the Earth into a dangerous one of space junk. Ms. Solter’s request for stringent environmental impact assessments before launching satellites indicates that space companies should reconsider their space innovations and focus on the planet-friendly innovations. As we gaze skyward at the promise of satellite internet, Solter’s call for caution rings clear: “The question of the pause in space exploration and proof that the satellites will not endanger the vital shields indeed make it clear that there is the delicate balance between technological progress and guarding the Earth’s cosmic balance.” Thus, the dilemma underlines the necessity to reevaluate the satellite internet’s impact.
