Produced by: Manoj Kumar
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Starlink satellites burned up in Earth’s atmosphere, creating dazzling artificial meteor showers—but they came with an unseen environmental cost.
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While mesmerizing, satellite re-entries release aluminium oxide nanoparticles, which could impact the ozone layer for decades before we see the damage.
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With 8,000+ Starlink satellites launched and 42,000 planned, the growing mega-constellations pose a new kind of atmospheric pollution risk.
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Scientists fear aluminium oxide from re-entering satellites may act like CFCs, accelerating ozone depletion—just as we thought recovery was near.
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Each Starlink satellite leaves behind 30 kg of aluminium oxide. By 2050, this could reach 360 metric tonnes annually—six times natural levels.
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Simulations suggest these particles could take 20-30 years to reach the stratosphere, meaning today’s pollution may haunt future generations.
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No global laws regulate atmospheric pollution from satellite re-entries. The FCC approves launches but ignores the environmental impact.
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Amazon, SpaceX, and other companies plan tens of thousands of satellites, but no one has a long-term plan for their safe disposal.
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ESA’s “Zero Debris” initiative aims to prevent new orbital waste by 2030, but without global cooperation, space junk and ozone risks may persist.
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