<
https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/space/spacex-vaporizes-260-starlink-satellites-in-six-months-using-earths-atmosphere-new-environmental-concerns-emerge-over-burning-2-700-pound-orbital-data-centers-fcc-seeks-to-exempt-satellites-from-regulations>
"SpaceX has confirmed in a semi-annual report submitted to the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this month that it disposed of 260
Starlink satellites between December 2025 and May 2026, intentionally
vaporizing them via re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. According to the
report, 176 of these satellites belonged to the first-generation Starlink
constellation, with the rest belonging to the second generation. An additional
349 satellites were decommissioned within that 6-month period and will be
disposed of in the coming months.
SpaceX’s Starlink operates a huge constellation of over 10,000 satellites as of
the time of this report, even as the company plans for Starlink Mobile, which
will provide satellite internet directly to mobile phones. However, each of
these satellites has a lifespan of about 5 years, a somewhat intentional setup
to allow swapping for newer versions, after which their fuel depletes. When
this happens, the satellite is programmed to use its remaining fuel to perform
a controlled de-orbit. It lowers its altitude and plunges into Earth's
atmosphere, where extreme friction completely incinerates 100% of the
spacecraft.
The constellation is so large and varied that Starlink reportedly disposes of
multiple satellites daily. It removed more than 472 satellite links from orbit
between December 2024 and May 2025. Retrieving the deorbited satellites — which
weigh roughly 573 to 650 pounds (260 to 295 kg) for first-generation units and
1,764 to 2,756 pounds (800 to 1,250 kg) for second-generation units — is
technically impractical and financially unviable, according to the company.
Hence, the incineration technique.
While Starlink’s disposal approach disintegrates 100% of the spacecraft,
leaving behind no falling debris, it has raised concerns about its effect on
the atmosphere. Researchers have urged further studies and regulations on the
environmental impact of satellites. The FCC has long excluded satellites from
environmental reviews, reportedly out of concern that regulations might slow
the space race. Any regulation would likely be under the
National
Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). However, the FCC is officially proposing
“that space-based operations be excluded from NEPA because they are
‘extraterritorial activities’ with effects located entirely outside of the
jurisdiction of the United States.” The proposal is yet to be approved."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
