Tech Giants’ Space Datacenters Face Criticism Over Environmental Impact

Environmental Concerns Over Space Datacenters

Space datacenters proposed by SpaceX, Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin and others would release staggering levels of pollution that would probably alter the Earth’s atmosphere and be “catastrophic” for the planet, space industry experts and environmental groups warn in a new petition demanding a review of their impacts. Tech companies have collectively proposed millions of “orbital datacenters” and are pressing forward with plans, which require Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval.

A petition submitted to the FCC by non-profit organizations such as Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (Peer), Earthjustice, and DarkSky International demands a pause on new licenses for these projects. The groups argue that the plans ‘violate federal law’ and do not adequately address their environmental impacts.

The petition points out that tech companies have described their plans in grand terms but have failed to embrace any inquiry into the impacts of their technology on the environment, science, economy, or other values. Steve Volz, a former head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), expressed concerns about filling up the atmosphere with refuse from these satellites.

Environmental Risks and Legal Concerns

The proliferation of satellites has already led to increased pollution in Earth's stratosphere. Launches release various emissions, including black carbon, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, aluminum oxide, chlorine gases, and mercury. Decommissioned satellites further contribute to this pollution as they vaporize upon re-entry, injecting metals into the previously pristine parts of the stratosphere.

Scientists are only beginning to understand the impacts, and there is a lack of comprehensive research on how these pollutants interact with naturally occurring metals and sulfuric acid aerosols. The potential for permanently altering the night sky and contributing to light pollution has raised concerns among environmental advocates.

The petition argues that Congress requires the FCC to determine whether 'the public interest, convenience, and necessity' will be served by granting satellite applications. It also claims that the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) should be used to assess environmental impacts, propose alternatives, examine mitigation measures, and disclose risks.

Despite these concerns, tech companies like SpaceX have made minimal references to environmental risk in their FCC applications. The petition concludes by highlighting the need for meaningful consideration of environmental consequences before granting approval to these projects.

Source: The Guardian