Space equity

The analysis shows that Starlink would exceed both the Article 22 single-entry limits and the Resolution 76 aggregate limits for all percentages of time and all EPFD levels. 

Technical Analysis: Starlink Violations of EPFD Limits (Fuchsstadt, Germany)

Technical Analysis: Starlink Violation of EPFD Limits (Chandigarh, India)

DISH March 6, 2023, filing with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission showing Starlink non-compliance with exclusion zone for protection of geostationary satellites in an attempt to manufacture a showing of compliance with the ITU EPFD power limits

Another ‘land rush’ is occurring over radio spectrum. The ITU is involved in the allocation of frequencies to communications satellites...
 

Boley & Byers. “Satellite mega-constellations create risks in Low Earth Orbit, the atmosphere and on Earth.” Nature

Radio frequencies, used by spacecraft to communicate with other spacecraft and terrestrial ground stations, are often defined as a limited (albeit reusable) natural resource...
 

Undseth, Jolly, & Olivari. “Space sustainability: The economic of space debris in perspective.” 

The rush to claim near-Earth space is also leaving out the world’s most minoritized communities, including Indigenous peoples, who need to be involved as stakeholders in decision-making.
 

Venkatesan, Lowenthal, Prem, & Vidaurri. “The impact of satellite constellations on space as an ancestral global commons.” Nature

Given today's increasing number of satellites proposed and launched, in particular as part of (mega-)constellations, and given the increasing concerns related to overcrowded low Earth orbits, this should be the right time to raise the issue on starting enforcing the principle in all orbits...
 

Matteo. “The Principle of Equitable Access in the Age of Mega-Constellations.” Studies in Space Policy

It is commonly believed that “resilience” of a proliferated LEO constellation increases as the number of satellites increases. We show that increasing the number of satellites in a large LEO constellation may significantly increase the number of consequential collision events due to a fragmentation event. As a result, large LEO constellations may impose a significant cost to all constellations.

Resilience of LEO Constellations to Accidental and Intentional Fragmentation Events (2024)

Large low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations pose significant environmental challenges, including increased risks of orbital collisions, atmospheric pollution from rocket exhaust and demise of re-entering satellites, and disruptions to cultural practices and astronomy due to light pollution. Our findings contribute to the development of more sustainable LEO satellite systems, promoting responsible space utilization amidst the growing demand for satellite-based services in LEO.

Environmental Impact of Large LEO Constellations (2024)

There are longer-term concerns that this 'free for all approach' to space will one day result in a disastrous collision that could lead to a loss of connectivity on Earth or at an extreme case, loss of life if a crewed spacecraft were to be hit.

Daily Mail: Lack of regulation will create a 'Wild West in SPACE' warns expert after satellites from OneWeb and SpaceX come within 190ft of hitting each other and spark 'red alerts' 

Opponents filed numerous responses to SpaceX’s proposed modification, with companies including Amazon saying it would cause interference with other satellite networks...
 

CNBC: FCC approves SpaceX change to its Starlink network, a win despite objections from Amazon and others 

“If you are going to put up and basically claim an entire sphere around the earth, then you’re gonna generate a lot more attention and discussion,” said Caleb Henry, a senior analyst at satellite research firm Quilty Analytics. “Because everyone has to know how to operate with respect to that layer of satellites that you put.”
 

The Verge: Elon Musk’s shot at Amazon flares months long fight over billionaires’ orbital real estate

Other critics say that Starlink satellites risk blocking the view of telescopes, or that the company’s privatization of space-based communications will undermine public connectivity projects.
 

The New Republic: Elon Musk Wants to Move Fast and Break Space

Just as on earth, there are potential risks—like explosions and pollution—if facilities are built too close to habitats. Should we preserve swaths of orbit for scientific use in the same way we allocate land to national parks?
 

Wall Street Journal: Space Is Poised for Explosive Growth. Let’s Get It Right.