Keep Space for Peace Week – The Dangers of Crowded Orbits
October 7 - October 14
Lower Earth orbit (LEO) is becoming dangerously crowded and NASA scientists fear growing space debris and likely cascading collisions in orbit. This, called the Kessler Syndrome, would endanger space activities and the use of satellites which so much technology relies on to function.
The Global Network is involved in a legal action to pressure the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to follow the law and conduct environmental impact studies before approving the launching of satellites into space. In 1985-88 there were about 5000-6000 objects in orbit. Currently there are roughly 27,000 human-made objects in space
Elon Musk’s Space X has launched 12,000 satellites and various companies are now planning some 71,000 more. The US is moving quickly to grab as many remaining LEO parking spaces as possible, thereby preventing other nations from deploying satellites.
Could the FCC be ignoring the law for monitoring environmental impacts because Congress and the Pentagon want to remove all impediments to US military domination of LEO?
The emblem of the Space Force, Semper Supra, Latin for always above, shows