Space Pollution: The Dark Side of Satellite Technology

As the space industry launches more satellites, a new study reveals the damage caused to Earth's ozone layer.

The University of Southern California (USC) research says satellite reentry is burning up and leaving behind pollutants made of aluminum oxides. These particles are known to activate chlorine, depleting the ozone layer. Since 2016, these pollutants have increased eightfold, with an estimated 17 metric tons in 2022 alone.

"These satellites are damaging the ozone layer that protects us from harmful UV radiation. With companies like SpaceX and Amazon expanding, the environmental impact will only grow."

• USC Research Lead

The research comes as the ozone layer is still recovering from CFC chemical damage. While a full recovery was forecasted by the EPA, this is now uncertain given the increase in satellite activity.

Starlink's Impact:

• Starlink, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, leads the world in satellite activity with 6,000 satellites in Low Earth Orbit.
• These satellites provide internet access globally, but at a cost to the environment.

The Ozone Layer: Our Protection, Now at Risk

• The ozone layer is our planetary shield, absorbing harmful UV radiation from the sun.
• Without it, cases of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues will rise, impacting both humans and the natural world.

Read the full USC study here: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9798168

Starlink website: https://www.starlink.com/

SpaceX website: https://www.spacex.com/