Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites are crashing into Earth, worry scientists

An image captured by the Sociedad de Astronomía del Caribe on February 7, 2022, shows space debris blazing over Puerto Rico. According to satellite tracker Marco Langbroek, it was likely part of a recently launched batch of SpaceX Starlink satellites damaged by a geomagnetic storm. (Image: Eddie Irizarry/Sociedad de Astronomia del Caribe (SAC))

Sky observers globally are seeing bright fireballs whizzing through the night sky. These brilliant lights are not meteors but SpaceX's Starlink satellites re-entering the Earth's atmosphere and incinerating on their way back.

Why are Starlink satellites coming back to Earth?

SpaceX’s Starlink programme operates over 6,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit, the largest satellite constellation ever built. The system aims to deliver global internet coverage, replacing older or malfunctioning satellites regularly. According to Harvard–Smithsonian astronomer Jonathan McDowell, up to four Starlink satellites re-enter Earth’s atmosphere each day.  These satellites are actually meant to deorbit securely after roughly five years and totally break up upon reentry, without posing any risk to individuals on Earth.

When they fall, they heat up and disintegrate due to friction with the atmosphere, leaving behind glowing trails that look like meteors or auroras. These spectacular displays have been caught on camera by amateur astronomers throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan.

What are scientists concerned about?
While the spectacle attracts global attention, scientists are increasingly worried about its environmental impact. When satellites burn up, they release fine metal particles, including aluminium oxide, into the upper atmosphere.

These particles might interfere with ozone chemistry or reflect sunlight, which would change the composition of the mesosphere, warn experts.

With tens of thousands more Starlink satellites on the horizon, scientists worry about the compounded effect over the years. Those have led to demands for enhanced regulations and better satellite design to mitigate harm.

How does it impact space sustainability?
The fast expansion of Starlink has placed it at the forefront of space sustainability issues. Experts call for more transparency, data openness, and global collaboration to handle the threats of big satellite constellations. McDowell said that although SpaceX makes certain that all retired satellites are built to break apart harmlessly, long-term atmospheric impacts are unknown.

While burning plumes continue to illuminate the sky, one is left asking: how does man reconcile innovation in space with responsibility on the planet below?