On January 30, 2026, SpaceX made a bold move by applying to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission for a plan to launch up to one million satellites. This project aims to create data centers in space, with satellites operating between 500 and 2,000 kilometers in low Earth orbit. Some of these satellites will be positioned for near-constant sunlight, and the public is invited to share their thoughts on the proposal.
This application is part of a much larger trend—many companies are now proposing extensive satellite networks, known as megaconstellations. These satellites serve a single purpose and generally last around five years. As of February 2026, there are about 14,000 active satellites orbiting Earth, with another 1.23 million waiting for approval or development.
However, the process for approval mainly evaluates technical details, often overlooking critical cultural and environmental impacts.
### The Night Sky: A Transformation
If the satellite launches proceed as planned, our view of the night sky could change permanently. Satellites in low Earth orbit reflect sunlight, creating bright streaks that could disrupt the celestial view. Recent projections indicate that soon, one in every 15 visible points of light might be a satellite. This doesn’t just affect stargazing; it alters cultural experiences and disrupts traditions that rely on natural night skies.
Space experts warn that over time, this could lead to a “shifting baseline syndrome,” where each generation accepts a more altered night sky than the last. Children today may never know the dark, star-filled skies that previous generations enjoyed.
### The Growing Concerns
The surge in satellite launches raises serious questions. Bright satellites contribute to light pollution, impacting astronomical research and Indigenous cultures that have long relied on celestial navigation. Additionally, the sheer number of satellites increases the risk of Kessler syndrome—where pieces of space debris collide and create even more debris, worsening the situation.
Currently, there’s no robust framework for managing the immense traffic in space, unlike aviation. A study by the European Space Agency found that there are already 50,000 pieces of debris in orbit. If coordination doesn’t improve, we could see major collisions happen as often as every few days.
This problem also leads to significant environmental questions. Launching these satellites uses fossil fuels and may harm the ozone layer. At the end of their life cycle, many satellites will burn up upon re-entry, releasing metals into the atmosphere, which could have long-term effects.
### A Legal Quagmire
International space law complicates accountability. Countries, rather than companies, are liable for any damage caused by their satellites. This raises questions about how we can hold corporations accountable when they launch in quantity.
### Time for Change
Current regulations focus largely on technical details like radio frequencies and launch safety, but they often ignore how these changes might affect cultural practices and scientific research. A comprehensive Dark Skies Impact Assessment has been proposed to address this gap. This assessment would evaluate the potential impacts of satellite constellations before they’re approved.
The assessment process would gather input from various stakeholders, including scientists, Indigenous communities, and industry experts. It would evaluate how satellite launches could impact night sky visibility, orbital congestion, and potential casualties on the ground. Additionally, it would suggest ways to mitigate harm, such as minimizing brightness and optimizing orbit designs.
Crucially, this assessment wouldn’t block satellite launches; instead, it would help to clarify trade-offs and lead to better decision-making.
The night sky is already transforming, but with careful planning and open dialogue, we can navigate these changes thoughtfully. It’s essential to engage communities before decisions are made so that everyone understands what’s at stake. The focus should be on creating responsible policies that benefit both current and future generations without permanently altering our natural night sky.
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