Greenhouse emissions are changing the environment of near-Earth space in ways that, over time, will reduce the number of satellites that can safely operate there, according to new MIT research.
Increasing greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the atmosphere’s ability to burn up old space junk, MIT scientists report.
No, the article says the exact opposite. The proposed problem is that less satellites de-orbit on schedule because atmospheric drag is reduced. Debris and derelict satellites stay in LEO for longer than they were scheduled to, and will be scheduled to stay in space longer in the future. Both of these factors significantly reduce the ability of LEO to ‘carry’ more satellites. This is amplified massively by mega constellations such as Starlink, but it’s probably to their benefit; they get to keep their expensive littering satellites in service for longer and will use less of the expensive argon to maintain their orbit.
There is therefore an increased chance that a Starlink satellite falls on Elon.
So it’s not all bad news.
No, the article says the exact opposite. The proposed problem is that less satellites de-orbit on schedule because atmospheric drag is reduced. Debris and derelict satellites stay in LEO for longer than they were scheduled to, and will be scheduled to stay in space longer in the future. Both of these factors significantly reduce the ability of LEO to ‘carry’ more satellites. This is amplified massively by mega constellations such as Starlink, but it’s probably to their benefit; they get to keep their expensive littering satellites in service for longer and will use less of the expensive argon to maintain their orbit.
Proof that there is no god.