A call to protect space environmentally… How?

Astronomers have called for space to be given the same level of legal protection as land, sea and atmosphere, in order to protect its fragile environment. space of the earth.

According to a new study led by the University of Edinburgh, researchers have revealed that groups of satellites, including SpaceX Starlink, all orbiting 300 miles above the Earth’s surface, are putting this precious ecosystem at risk.

They added that the installation of these huge groups of devices, some of which amount to tens of thousands of satellites, that transmit broadband to Earth, which leads to space congestion, as well as rocket launches that pollute the atmosphere.

The research relates to a legal case before the US Court of Appeals, which will set an important precedent in the growing campaign to protect the space environment.

The team responsible for the study says that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that treats the orbital space as part of the environment and deserves to protect the environment, both nationally and internationally.

The Scottish team says policy makers must work collaboratively to create a common, ethical and sustainable approach to space, and the researchers are urging policy makers to consider the environmental impacts of all aspects of satellite towers, including launching, operating and de-orbiting them.