SpaceX's Starlink Satellites Under Scrutiny for Safety Risks
Date: 2023-10-12 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: WORLD
The FAA Report and Safety Concerns
The FAA's 35-page analysis, partially compiled by the non-profit research group, The Aerospace Corporation, paints a grim picture of potential dangers associated with extensive satellite networks, including Starlink. It is suggested that by 2035, due to the increased satellite network, there might be an anticipated occurrence of injury or fatality to one person on Earth every two years when these satellites re-enter the atmosphere.
Airplane Collisions and Space Debris
The report also calculated the probability of airplane collisions resulting from space debris falling to Earth, which is estimated at 0.0007 incidents per year until 2035. The safety of both satellites and human aviation is brought into question in this comprehensive analysis.
SpaceX's Response and Denial
In a letter received by CNN, SpaceX vehemently criticized the conclusions of the FAA's report, labeling the accusations as absurd and unsubstantiated. SpaceX claims that its satellites are designed to be fully destroyed during the re-entry process into the Earth's atmosphere, ensuring safety.
SpaceX further accused The Aerospace Corporation of not including the company's satellite disposal reports in their analysis of Starlink satellite safety.
Astronomical Concerns
It's worth mentioning that prior to this report, astronomers expressed concerns about networks of satellites like Starlink from SpaceX. These networks, comprised of thousands of satellites, have interfered with astronomical observations, hindering the view of the night sky.
The FAA's 35-page analysis, partially compiled by the non-profit research group, The Aerospace Corporation, paints a grim picture of potential dangers associated with extensive satellite networks, including Starlink. It is suggested that by 2035, due to the increased satellite network, there might be an anticipated occurrence of injury or fatality to one person on Earth every two years when these satellites re-enter the atmosphere.
Airplane Collisions and Space Debris
The report also calculated the probability of airplane collisions resulting from space debris falling to Earth, which is estimated at 0.0007 incidents per year until 2035. The safety of both satellites and human aviation is brought into question in this comprehensive analysis.
SpaceX's Response and Denial
In a letter received by CNN, SpaceX vehemently criticized the conclusions of the FAA's report, labeling the accusations as absurd and unsubstantiated. SpaceX claims that its satellites are designed to be fully destroyed during the re-entry process into the Earth's atmosphere, ensuring safety.
SpaceX further accused The Aerospace Corporation of not including the company's satellite disposal reports in their analysis of Starlink satellite safety.
Astronomical Concerns
It's worth mentioning that prior to this report, astronomers expressed concerns about networks of satellites like Starlink from SpaceX. These networks, comprised of thousands of satellites, have interfered with astronomical observations, hindering the view of the night sky.
