SpaceX is contesting a recent report by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that projects significant risks posed by the company’s Starlink satellite constellation to people on Earth.
The FAA, responsible for licensing the launch and reentry of commercial spacecraft, conveyed its findings to Congress members on October 5. The 35 page report paints a troubling picture, suggesting that by 2035, debris from Starlink satellites would result in “one person on the planet expected to be injured or killed every two years,” if certain growth projections are realized. Additionally, the report speculated a 0.0007 annual probability of aircraft being downed due to colliding with falling space debris by 2035.
In a swift response, SpaceX termed the report’s conclusions about the potential risks from Starlink as “preposterous, unjustified, and inaccurate.” In a letter the company criticized the report for its flawed analysis, particularly regarding the risks associated with Starlink satellite reentry. SpaceX emphasized that their satellites are “designed and built to fully demise during atmospheric reentry” and that 325 satellites have already safely deorbited since February 2020 with no debris detected.
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The Aerospace Corporation, a nonprofit research group that contributed to the FAA’s analysis, acknowledged communication with SpaceX to revisit the data. However, they pointed out that their assessment was based on data provided to them, focusing primarily on satellites in Low Earth Orbit.
While the FAA report did concede that SpaceX’s satellites are designed to completely disintegrate upon reentry, it sided with The Aerospace Corporation’s more conservative view suggesting that each SpaceX craft could still produce up to three debris fragments of 300 grams. SpaceX rebuffed this, stating the assumption relied on outdated data and unfairly singled out Starlink while overlooking other satellite projects.
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The FAA has stated it’s currently “reviewing the letter” from SpaceX, and the members of Congress, to whom the initial report was addressed, are yet to respond.
Information for this story was found via the FAA, CNN, and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
