New Study: Internet Satellites Threaten the Ozone Layer
A recent NASA-funded study has revealed that satellites used for internet services, such as Starlink, may cause damage to the ozone layer when their lifespan ends.
Researchers from the University of Southern California explained that these satellites decay in the atmosphere, leaving behind tiny particles of aluminum oxide. The study recorded an eight-fold increase in these oxides between 2016 and 2022.
While Starlink isn’t the only source of this phenomenon, it does have the largest fleet of satellites in low Earth orbit. Of the 8,100 objects in orbit, more than 6,000 belong to Starlink. The company plans to launch thousands more satellites in the future.
Researchers warn that the impact of this phenomenon will get worse over time. The burning moons in 2022 caused an increase in aluminum in the atmosphere by 29.5% above normal levels.
The danger of aluminum oxide particles lies in their continued harmful effect on the ozone layer for a period of up to 30 years, unlike other materials that are consumed during the process.
It is estimated that if Starlink expands as planned, more than 8,000 satellites could burn up in the atmosphere each year, with predictive models predicting that the amount of aluminum could reach 360 metric tons, or 640% above normal levels.
Related > Know computer specifications in detail without software
Worryingly, the environmental impacts of satellite re-entry are still not fully understood. The US Environmental Protection Agency warns that excess ultraviolet radiation could lead to skin cancer, cataracts, and weaken the immune system, as well as reduce crop yields and disrupt the marine food chain.
The researchers stress the need for further studies to better understand and evaluate these potential risks.