The recent article “The future of satellites lies in the constellations” by Nataniel Scharping, published in Astronomy magazine, discusses possible opportunities and problems that may arise from the launching and operation of numerous satellites. The author argues that by 2030, the number of active satellites revolving around the Earth may reach approximately 100 thousand, whereas, at present, the planet’s orbit accounts for 3 thousand artificial celestial bodies. Such rapid projected growth is mainly explained by planned launches of a large number of satellite constellations. The latter is defined as “…groups of dozens or even hundreds of small satellites united in a common task” (Scharping, 2021). For instance, the SpaceX project intends to launch more than 10 thousand satellites to ensure internet access all over the globe. However, Scharping (2021) maintains that despite having a positive impact on humanity, the thousands of satellites would lead to overcrowded lower orbits of the Earth and, thus, cause damage to inhabitants and the planet.
The Reasons Behind the Article Choice
There are two main reasons that may have determined my decision. Firstly, approximately three months ago, I was scrolling through my YouTube feed and, by chance, saw the video that was explaining how satellite television works. After watching it, I became interested in knowing how the satellites actually function. Hence, I found the NASA (2017) article named “What Is a Satellite?” that helped me to satisfy my initial curiosity. As a result, when I saw the title of the article under review and the topic it discusses I was immediately attracted to it. Secondly, I think the problem posited by the author is involving and thrilling itself. In my opinion, the critical views on progress and development are generally increasingly engaging for readers. Therefore, in short, my choice was based on individual motivation and the general attractiveness of the topic.
The Article Summary
Scharping (2021) states that two factors would serve as a precondition for rapid satellite number growth. One aspect includes the active penetration of private companies into the spacecraft industry. The other element encompasses the development of CubeSats – miniature satellites, each measuring 10 x 10 x10 centimeters and mass varying from 1 to 10 kg (ESA, 2021). For those reasons, launching new artificial celestial bodies has become both cheaper and faster. On the one hand, CubeSats necessitate less time, money, and materials to manufacture. On the other hand, the existence of numerous companies in the market signifies the building of an increased number of rockets that would help to send significantly more satellites than before.
The main advantage that satellite constellations have compared to sole satellites is that the former can provide constant and uninterrupted communications and internet access opportunities. Normally, if operating at close range to the Earth, traditional satellites have a velocity higher than the rotation speed of the planet. For that reason, they are not able to continuously operate in the active area of transmitters and receivers. Contrary, CubeSats can ensure stable interaction with “the land” due to the constant availability of one or two satellites from the group in the accessible range.
However, on the flip side, there are number of problems that such a “congestion” of the planet’s lower orbits creates. First of all, an increased number of satellites would interfere with observations and research of space by astrologists. The former can either block the view by physical presence or by transmitting a great number of wireless signals in the atmosphere, which negatively affect the work of radio telescopes. Secondly, more satellites mean that there is a higher chance of collision between different bodies. The worst-case scenario predicts the possibility of so-called Kessler syndrome appearance when one accident can cause the domino effect and lead to the destruction of all or most of the artificial celestial bodies. Finally, more satellite constellations are associated with increased aluminum in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, which damages the planet’s ozone layer and, thus, aggravates environmental problems.
The Article Analysis
In my opinion, Scharping (2021) presented quite a balanced paper on the future of satellites. The author first introduced the readers to the positive aspects of having more artificial celestial bodies on the planet’s lower orbits and then discussed the possible negative impacts of such a development. Although all the arguments were clear and persuasive, I think the article lacks a description of possible solutions for existing problems. For instance, Scharping (2021) does not discuss that CubeSats could bring new opportunities for space observation, nor the author mentions that SpaceX is planning to collect space junk which may reduce the possibilities of collisions. Of course, the primary aim of the paper was to raise public awareness of the problem, but possible solutions would make the discussion more thorough.
Remaining Questions
As a result of my reading, I have some questions left that are related to the growth in the number of satellites. Firstly, what solutions exist to address the problems that may potentially appear? Particularly, it would be interesting to know whether there are some alternatives to satellite constellations that can bring the same amount of utility but reduce overall negative outcomes. Secondly, should countries unite their efforts to coordinate and regulate the number of satellites that each state can have? Space exploration is a new sphere of political competition and, thus, can lead to new problems and tensions. Therefore, I think the governments would face conflicts regarding satellite amount that each state can possess. Finally, what is the impact that worldwide satellite internet can have on people in closed countries such as North Korea? Particularly, I am interested in whether citizens would be able to access the internet that is not regulated by the government.
References
The European Space Agency. (2021). CubeSats.
NASA. (2017). What is a satellite?
Scharping, N. (2021). The future of satellites lies in the constellations. Astronomy.