Elon MusksStarlink is a divisive project.
Here are the biggest problems posed by theSpaceXnetwork, from spoiling views to damaging the ozone layer.
Causing collision threats
SpaceX recently fired the 2,000th Starlink satellite into orbit.
The vast number of these devices has raised concerns of collisions with other objects inspace.
The issue caused uproar in China after theTiangongspace stationreportedly had two near missesinvolving the satellites.
These concerns have been echoed by other organizations.
Muskhas rebuffed claimsthat the satellites are taking up too much space.
Screwing up the climate
Starlink has already created significant light pollution.
Scientists also fear that the satellites will add space junk and chemicals to the atmosphere.
The megaconstellations could change the chemistry of the upper atmosphere.
Another issue involves the burning of aluminum from dead satellites.
Scientiststold Space.com last Junethat this could have unexplored side effects on the ozone layer.
Spoiling the night sky
SpaceX now ownsmore than halfof all active satellitesorbiting the Earth are SpaceX satellites.
The high reflectivity of these devices is filling the sky with artificial light.
SpaceX has worked to reduce satellite reflectivity, but astronomers say it remains too bright.
Interfering with astronomy
Starlink isnt only ruining views for the public.
Astronomers fear that the satellites could make it harder to spot asteroids near Earth.
One of their concerns is the sheer number of devices.
Another involves the light streaks they produce, which can disrupt observations taken by telescopes.
This disruption will only increase as the number of SpaceX satellites increases.
The issue hasheightened callsfor aspace-based asteroid-detecting telescope.
We hate you,#Starlink!
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
