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The New Space Race Is Causing New Pollution Problems | Earth’s stratosphere has never seen the amounts of emissions and waste from rockets and satellites that a booming space economy will leave behind (www.nytimes.com)
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[-] Peppycito@sh.itjust.works 6 points 10 months ago

The starlink constellation is-

Nearly 12,000 satellites are planned to be deployed, with a possible later extension to 42,000.

If they last 5 years that's 2400-8400 deorbiting per year. These aren't the ones "answering the mysteries of the universe" these are the ones selling internet access.

From the article-

plunge through the atmosphere and disintegrate, leaving a stream of pollutants in their wake. Although scientists do not yet know how this will influence Earth’s environment, Dr. Ross thinks that it will be the most significant impact from spaceflight.

[-] xor@sh.itjust.works -2 points 10 months ago

well i was contrasting how say, the hubble telescope is a worthwhile satellite that will eventually burn up in the atmosphere, while starlink is wasteful....

[-] Peppycito@sh.itjust.works 3 points 10 months ago

Hubble is so far away it won't reenter for a very long time. And that's 1 versus 12000.

[-] xor@sh.itjust.works 0 points 10 months ago

what is your point?
my point is you're agreeing with me a lot but misinterpreting me entirely... so you're trying to argue with me.
...
i'll repeat my point reeeeeally simply:
yes, starlink wasteful, bad satellites.
some satellites good, like hubble.

this post was submitted on 09 Jan 2024
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