Too many satellites? Earth’s orbit is on track for a catastrophe – but we can stop it

Gregory Radisic; Samantha Lawler

doi:10.64628/aa.5uxhwarpj

Too many satellites? Earth’s orbit is on track for a catastrophe – but we can stop it

Gregory Radisic
, Samantha Lawler

Research output: Contribution to journal › Online Resource › Professional

Abstract

On January 30 2026, SpaceX filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission for a megaconstellation of up to one million satellites to power data centres in space.

The proposal envisions satellites operating between 500 and 2,000 kilometres in low Earth orbit. Some of the orbits are designed for near-constant exposure to sunlight. The public can currently submit comments on this proposal.

Original language	English
Journal	The Conversation
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.64628/aa.5uxhwarpj
Publication status	Published - 18 Feb 2026

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10.64628/aa.5uxhwarpjLicence: CC BY-ND

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abstract = "On January 30 2026, SpaceX filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission for a megaconstellation of up to one million satellites to power data centres in space. The proposal envisions satellites operating between 500 and 2,000 kilometres in low Earth orbit. Some of the orbits are designed for near-constant exposure to sunlight. The public can currently submit comments on this proposal.",

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AU - Lawler, Samantha

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AB - On January 30 2026, SpaceX filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission for a megaconstellation of up to one million satellites to power data centres in space. The proposal envisions satellites operating between 500 and 2,000 kilometres in low Earth orbit. Some of the orbits are designed for near-constant exposure to sunlight. The public can currently submit comments on this proposal.

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Too many satellites? Earth’s orbit is on track for a catastrophe – but we can stop it

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