Climate Change Threatens Future of Satellites in Earth's Orbit
A new MIT study reveals climate change will significantly reduce satellite space, increasing orbital debris by minimizing atmospheric drag.
Overview
MIT researchers warn that climate change will drastically reduce space availability for satellites in low Earth orbit by as much as 82% by the century's end. The cooling of the upper atmosphere results in lower density, diminishing drag that naturally helps clean orbital debris. Currently, millions of debris pieces in orbit, including remnants of past satellite collisions, threaten active satellites, which serve critical functions such as communication and weather monitoring. Experts emphasize the significance of addressing climate impacts on space to maintain orbital sustainability.
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Analysis
- Climate change will significantly impact satellite operations in low Earth orbit, potentially reducing available space by 33% to 82% by the century's end based on carbon emissions levels.
- The cooling of the upper atmosphere due to greenhouse gases is expected to alter the dynamics of orbital debris, making it harder for natural processes to remove space junk, thus increasing risk for operational satellites.
- The findings highlight the urgent need for better stewardship of orbital space as engagement in space activities expands, emphasizing that space debris management must be prioritized.
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Associated Press·4M·FAQ
Reduced satellite capacity could disrupt essential services like internet, communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and banking, which rely heavily on satellites in low Earth orbit.
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