"With over 34,000 large debris pieces in orbit and millions of smaller fragments, the threat of collisions and the #KesslerSyndrome looms large. International cooperation, stringent regulations, and technological solutions are proposed to address the crisis, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive global framework to ensure #SpaceSustainability for future generations."

https://intpolicydigest.org/the-platform/space-has-become-a-trash-dump-and-that-s-a-problem/

Here is a run-down on Dark & Quiet Skies activities at the recent UN COPUOS Science & Technology Subcommittee meeting from @iau_cps: https://cps.iau.org/news/un-meeting-features-satellite-impact-on-astronomy/

"The discussion included remarks on the need to find balanced solutions, the urgent need for nations to support research on mitigations, considerations on the cultural heritage of the night sky, and the importance of space sustainability discussions within international bodies."

"'It's a very difficult problem to communicate to the general public. It's not like an oil spill, where the pelicans are dying. It's not visceral. There's debris you can show them through a telescope. But it's just a dot.'"

https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/features/the-triumphs-and-troubles-of-the-7000-starlink-satellites-crowding-our-night-skies/

"Uncontrolled space debris raining down toward Earth is becoming a serious concern as activity in the skies ramps up."

https://www.scimag.news/news-en/104963/skyfall-why-uncontrolled-space-debris-could-threaten-your-flight/

This site, developed by Connor Barker and Eloise Marais (both of University College London), in collaboration with @planet4589, aims to estimate emissions of various substances associated with rocket launches (CO2, water vapor, etc.) in 2020-22: https://maraisresearchgroup.co.uk/launch_emis.html

From the editorial board of the Washington Post today: "Space is, for the most part, a vast, impersonal vacuum. But the part of it that includes our small precinct of the universe is a human-influenced environment upon which society depends. Increasingly, people need to think of it that way."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2024/space-weather-asteroids-orbital-debris-environment/

“As a result of this low skill in our forecasts, #SpaceX saw 20 kilometers of position error in their one-day computations. If we’re uncertain in where our spacecraft are by 20 kilometers, then you can throw collision avoidance out the window.”

https://spacenews.com/geomagnetic-storms-cause-mass-migrations-of-satellites/

Buried in this NASA document, starting on page 25 of the PDF, is a recent report titled “Impacts of Spaceflight on the Global Atmosphere: Current Understanding, Knowledge Gaps, NASA’s Role, and Roadmap Forward”.

"This white paper describes these gaps and a research plan for comprehensive assessment. It should be noted that the new plan represents a significant increase from this small exploratory effort supported by internal funds and that a multi-agency augmented funding structure is noted."

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20240013276/downloads/NASA-TM-20240013276-V6.pdf

"In the last couple of years, there have been roughly 500 re-entry events per year, and people are talking about 10,000 in the not-too-distant future. That’s about one an hour. So we’d like to understand the implications as soon as possible." (via @ScienceNews)

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/satellite-space-junk-havoc-stratosphere

#Astronomy, #satellites, and #Project2025: what's in store for FCC licensing of satellites in a 2nd Trump Administration?

According to AIP Science Policy News, and referencing @brendancarrfcc, it's not good.

https://ww2.aip.org/fyi/project-2025-outlines-possible-future-for-science-agencies

"The researchers urge the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which approves satellite deployments in the U.S., to halt megaconstellation launches and conduct a thorough assessment of their possible environmental impacts before awarding further licenses."

https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/astronomers-urge-fcc-to-halt-satellite-megaconstellation-launches

A curious proceedings paper from the recent IAASS conference whose author is from @viasatinc. Curious in that it brings up a lot of stuff that may constitute legal liabilities for it (or other space companies) in the future. PDF: https://www.viasat.com/content/dam/us-site/space-and-network-operations/documents/Environmental_Impact_of_Large_LEO_Constellations_-_13th_IAASS.pdf

"A 2022 overview paper by Viasat paints an almost apocalyptic picture: 'If a tipping point is reached, all of humanity would watch helplessly as space junk multiplies uncontrollably. Without timely intervention, we risk bringing the space age to an inglorious end, and trapping humanity on Earth under a layer of its own trash for centuries, or even millennia.'"

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/19/humanity-would-watch-helplessly-as-space-junk-multiplies-uncontrollably-has-the-number-of-satellite-launches-reached-a-tipping-point

"We identify all launches and objects associated with SMC [satellite megaconstellation] missions, accounting for 37–41% of emissions of black carbon particles, carbon monoxide, and CO2 by 2022. SMCs are a rapidly increasing fraction of total air pollutant and CO2 emissions from space activity"

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-024-03910-z

"We need to initiate discussions as soon as possible. With space debris, it took us 20 or 30 years to define a solution. With [the satellite air pollution] problem, if we move on the same kind of timescale, it might be too late."

https://www.space.com/montreal-protocol-satellites-air-pollution

Last week I presented at NSS's International Space Development Conference and had the pleasure of being a panelist (x2) during the all day Space Law & Policy Session.

And, yes, I did have space themed nails for the conference!

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