Science

The Looming Threat: How Starlink Satellites Could Be Damaging the Ozone Layer

Thursday 20 June 2024 - 14:33

Scientists Warn About the Impact of Starlink Satellite Disintegration on the Ozone Layer

The recovery of the ozone layer, which has been steadily improving since the global ban on CFC gases, could be under threat from an unexpected source: the disintegration of thousands of Starlink satellites. This concern arises as SpaceX continues to expand its constellation, with authorization to deploy up to 42,000 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Currently, more than 8,000 satellites are in orbit, and 6,000 of these belong to SpaceX.

A recent study published in the *Geophysical Research Letters Journal* highlights the potential adverse effects that these satellites could have on the ozone layer, particularly when they disintegrate in the upper atmosphere. This layer acts as a crucial shield, protecting life on Earth from the Sun's most harmful ultraviolet rays.

A New Challenge for the Ozone Layer

Historically, the number of satellites in LEO was limited, allowing the ozone layer to gradually recover following the 1980s ban on CFC gases. This recovery was marked by a decreasing size of the ozone hole each year. However, the rapid increase in the number of Starlink satellites, which are made primarily of aluminum, introduces a new challenge. The disintegration of these satellites releases aluminum oxides, which are particularly destructive to the ozone layer.

The study notes an eightfold increase in aluminum oxide presence in the upper atmosphere between 2016 and 2022. This trend shows no signs of reversing, especially since these satellites are designed to have a lifespan of only about five years.

The Growing Impact of Satellite Mega-Constellations

The issue is not limited to Starlink alone. Amazon's Project Kuiper plans to launch thousands of similar satellites, which could further exacerbate the problem. Unlike CFC gases, aluminum oxides act as catalysts in chemical reactions, meaning they are not consumed during these processes and can remain in the atmosphere for decades before slowly descending to lower layers.

In 2022, approximately 18.7 tons of aluminum oxides were released into the atmosphere, with projections suggesting this could increase to nearly 400 tons per year. The study's authors warn that this could significantly weaken the ozone layer.

Unprecedented Ozone Hole Dimensions

While a direct connection between satellite disintegration and the ozone hole's size has not been definitively established, there are concerning signs. In 2023, the ozone hole reached unprecedented dimensions, comparable to three times the size of Brazil. This contradicts the trend of shrinking ozone holes observed in recent years.

Other potential causes for this anomaly are being investigated, but the role of satellite disintegration cannot be ignored. The challenge now is to determine how Starlink and its competitors can mitigate their impact on the ozone layer.

Potential Solutions and Future Steps

To address this issue, SpaceX and other satellite operators might need to focus on enhancing the durability of their satellites and reconsidering the materials used in their construction. Currently, there are no viable alternatives to satellite disintegration in LEO. Some satellites in higher orbits are placed in "graveyard orbits," where they remain indefinitely without impacting the atmosphere.

The increasing number of Starlink satellites disintegrating in LEO is releasing a worrisome amount of aluminum oxides, posing a serious threat to the ozone layer. If left unaddressed, the progress made in repairing this critical protective layer could be undone. With the anticipated surge in LEO objects in the coming years, this issue demands urgent attention and innovative solutions.