Satellites are causing environmental damage in Earth’s stratosphere. The upcoming mega-constellations will worsen this issue. In January, over 100 communications satellites disintegrated in the atmosphere, burning up at a speed of eight kilometers per second. This is done to prevent satellite collisions or crashes into land.
In 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) required all satellites to re-enter orbit after five years. Similar rules apply globally. However, new developments suggest that environmental concerns are growing due to increasing numbers of satellites in space.
While the focus remains on technological advancements, it’s essential to address this pressing issue before it escalates further.
Source: https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/03/05/satellites-are-polluting-the-stratosphere