The company asked the FCC back in April whether it could launch the satellites, and its plan has now been approved. While this cause may seem noble, the company’s move into internet service provision should raise some concerns.
It’s About Space
Scientists are expressing concern about the growing number of satellites in orbit:“The number of satellites is projected to grow into the tens of thousands over the next several years, creating the potential for substantial adverse impacts to ground- and space-based astronomy. These impacts could include significant disruption of optical and near-infrared observations by direct detection of satellites in reflected and emitted light; contamination of radio astronomical observations by electromagnetic radiation in satellite communication bands; and collision with space-based observatories.” NASA is also worried about the amount of satellites and space junk in orbit, saying that there are more than 20,000 pieces of space debris larger than a softball in orbit, and 500,000 larger than the size of a marble. “The greatest risk to space missions comes from non-trackable debris,” said Nicholas Johnson, NASA’s chief scientist for orbital debris.
Antitrust
Space might be the final frontier, but it needs to be controlled before it turns into a wild west. Read more of the latest tech news on Tech.co
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