Prof. Sam LawlerMay 30, 2025

Oh hey cool, an op-ed I wrote is now published!

TLDR: we need *fewer* satellites, each with *longer* operational lifetimes. Engineers: that's your challenge.

https://www.livescience.com/space/astronomy/what-goes-up-must-come-down-how-megaconstellations-like-spacexs-starlink-network-pose-a-grave-safety-threat-to-us-on-earth-opinion

What goes up must come down: How megaconstellations like SpaceX's Starlink network pose a grave safety threat to us on Earth

Thousands of satellites with incredibly short lifetimes are being sent up into low Earth orbit. When they fall back down they're fireballs of pollution — and what doesn't burn up hits the ground.

Live Science
Show threadKevin RussellMay 30, 2025

@sundogplanets

Higher needed too. Tax low orbit satellites a lot. UN money.

Show threadMichael GemarMay 30, 2025
@kevinrns @sundogplanets Low orbits decay naturally. Higher orbits mean when a satellite stops working, it just sits there as a collision hazard.
Show threadKevin RussellMay 30, 2025

@michaelgemar @sundogplanets

Satellites should be taxed by the UN and a "Permit to Orbit" purchased, after guaranteeing de-orbit systems and safety, including bonds to cover costs should contracts be broken.

Show threadMichael Gemar
@kevinrns @sundogplanets Great idea.
May 30, 2025 at 10:54pmWeb