Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been highlighted in recent research concerning the potential ‘catastrophic’ effects of space debris on Earth’s air traffic.
Established 22 years ago in Texas, SpaceX has become a leader in space exploration, securing substantial NASA contracts and surpassing other programs, including China’s space initiatives and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin.
While SpaceX aims to colonize Mars, much of its current focus is on deploying the Starlink satellite constellation. However, a study published in Scientific Reports raises concerns that these extensive ‘satellite megaconstellations’ may increase the risk of uncontrolled re-entries of space objects, potentially leading to ‘catastrophic consequences’ for Earth’s inhabitants.
The study, authored by Ewan Wright, Aaron Boley, and Michael Byers, indicates that the surge in annual rocket launches and the proliferation of abandoned rocket bodies in orbit, coupled with increased global air traffic, elevate the likelihood of collisions between aircraft and falling space debris. The deployment of large satellite constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, contributes to numerous uncontrolled satellite re-entries. These satellites, if not entirely burned upon re-entry, pose a significant collision threat.
The research suggests that to mitigate these risks, governments and aviation authorities might need to ‘preemptively close airspace’ during predicted re-entry periods of space debris—a precautionary measure that has already been implemented in certain instances.
As SpaceX continues its ambitious projects, including the expansion of the Starlink network, addressing the challenges posed by space debris becomes increasingly critical to ensure the safety of air travel and the protection of Earth’s environment.