Study warns that SpaceX's Starlink satellites emit large amounts of aluminium oxide gas, which reacts with chlorine to eventually destroy ozone molecules
 "Elon Musk's Starlink satellites could damage the ozone layer: Study")
abhijeet kumar New Delhi
Researchers have indicated that the increase in the number of satellites in low Earth orbit could lead to harmful chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Specifically, a study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters suggests that SpaceX's Starlink satellites emit a significant amount of aluminum oxide gas, which could destroy the ozone layer. The presence of aluminum oxide in the atmosphere reacts with chlorine, eventually destroying ozone molecules.
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Impact of satellite burning
The ozone layer is vital to human survival. It absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Without this protective layer, exposure to ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of skin cancer and negatively impact crop yields and food production.
However, the lifespan of internet satellites in low Earth orbit is typically about five years. As these satellites return to the atmosphere and burn up, they release aluminum oxide. According to the researchers, this process can release more than 1,000 tons of aluminum oxide annually, which is 646 percent more than natural levels. These particles do not burn up and can remain in the atmosphere for decades, continuing to deplete the ozone layer.
The study found that from 2016 to 2022, the presence of aluminum oxide in the atmosphere increased almost eightfold. Estimates suggest that with ongoing satellite launches, this figure could rise to 397 tonnes annually, significantly increasing the depletion of the ozone layer. In 2022 alone, 18.7 tonnes of aluminum oxide nanoparticles were released into the atmosphere by falling satellites.
Satellite launch and space debris concerns
SpaceX is allowed to launch 42,000 Starlink satellites, and other tech giants like Amazon also plan to launch thousands more. This rapid increase in the number of satellites raises concerns not only about the depletion of the ozone layer, but also about space debris, which can cause collisions and damage other satellites.
The deployment of many small satellites in low Earth orbit has revolutionized high-speed internet, speeding up data processing. Previously, satellites operated at higher altitudes, which reduced internet speeds but increased lifespan.
SpaceX, founded by billionaire Elon Musk in 2002, has been at the forefront of this change. The first experimental Starlink satellite launch took place in 2019, and since then, the network has expanded to provide global internet coverage, including vital support for Ukraine's defense communications.
By May 2024, Starlink is serving three million customers in 100 countries and territories, reflecting the growing demand for faster internet access.