FAA Report Warns of Potential Danger from Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellites by 2035
A new report published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has raised concerns about Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites, predicting that they could pose a risk to human life by 2035. The report, which spans 35 pages, highlights the possibility of 28,000 dangerous fragments from de-orbiting satellites surviving reentry over the next 12 years.
Musk’s ambitious plan involves launching at least 42,000 Starlink satellites into orbit in the near future, making it the largest satellite network operated by any company. According to the FAA report, more than 85 percent of the potential risk to individuals and aviation from falling debris during that timeframe would be attributed to SpaceX’s Starlinks.
Reacting to the report, SpaceX’s principal engineer, David Goldstein, vehemently disputed its findings, describing the analysis as “preposterous, unjustified, and inaccurate” in a letter sent to both the FAA and Congress. Goldstein emphasized that SpaceX’s satellites are specifically designed to fully disintegrate during atmospheric reentry at the end of their lifespan.
SpaceX also criticized the Aerospace Corporation, the nonprofit organization responsible for compiling the data used in the report, for failing to consult the company for additional information. In their response, SpaceX highlighted that since February 2020, they have deorbited 325 Starlink satellites and no debris has been discovered.
The Aerospace Corporation, however, defended its approach, stating that it had approached SpaceX two years ago for an independent assessment of the risks associated with satellite reentry based on the projections of all planned operators under U.S. regulation until 2035. The organization’s data encompassed existing and planned constellations, with a particular focus on satellites in Low Earth Orbit.
In addition to the potential threat to human life, the FAA report also highlights the potential risk to air travel due to falling space debris. It estimates that the probability of an aircraft colliding with debris in 2035 would be 0.0007 per year.
SpaceX launched its Starlink satellites in May 2019, having already sent over 5,000 mass-produced objects into space. The company announced in September 2023 that it had surpassed 2 million subscribers and plans to deploy a total of 12,000 satellites, with the potential to increase that number to 42,000.
The SpaceX Starlink network offers internet connectivity through low-orbit satellites, providing users with high-speed broadband and unlimited data. However, the service comes with a significant cost, with installation fees of up to $2,500 and monthly charges of up to $250. In comparison, internet provider T-Mobile offers broadband for $50 per month without any installation fees.
Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of low-frequency radio waves emitted by the Starlink satellites, which could hinder astronomical observations. Scientists also worry about the possibility of a catastrophic collision event caused by the accumulation of space debris, colloquially referred to as the “Kessler syndrome.”
In conclusion, while the FAA report highlights potential dangers associated with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites, SpaceX firmly denies the claims, asserting that their satellites are designed to safely disintegrate and that the analysis is flawed. The ongoing debate surrounding the risks posed by the Starlink network underscores the need for continued research and regulation in the realm of satellite deployment and space debris management.
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