Challenges to Space Activities in the Context of Mega Satellite Constellations: A Focus on Environmental Impacts

The advent of low Earth orbit (LEO) mega satellite constellations to accelerate high-speed internet worldwide represents a new technological advancement. However, this development raises concerns regarding militarization, orbital debris, environmental protection, and their effects on space tourism...

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Main Author: Sheer
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The Korean Space Science Society 2025-03-01
Series:Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.janss.kr/archive/view_article?pid=jass-42-1-1
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author Sheer
author_facet Sheer
author_sort Sheer
collection DOAJ
description The advent of low Earth orbit (LEO) mega satellite constellations to accelerate high-speed internet worldwide represents a new technological advancement. However, this development raises concerns regarding militarization, orbital debris, environmental protection, and their effects on space tourism. Despite these challenges, existing space law treaties have not addressed these issues. This article highlights the gaps in current treaties and emphasizes the need for advancements to mitigate emerging challenges and ensure long-term solutions. This study explores the legal challenges associated with possible smashes flanked by existing satellites in orbit and newly launched satellites as part of mega-constellations, which could jeopardize mission safety and threaten the sustainability of space activities. It also analyzes the significant issues related to space debris, particularly given the anticipated increase in satellite constellations in LEO over the coming decades. The increase in small satellites with shorter lifespans is likely to contribute to greater debris generation. Finally, these findings suggest the need for a suitable international legal structure to facilitate the efficient deployment and operation of satellite techniques.
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spelling doaj-art-ff0bb78fea0b43feb90f81a3a135f9a62025-08-20T03:05:44ZengThe Korean Space Science SocietyJournal of Astronomy and Space Sciences2093-55872093-14092025-03-0142111310.5140/JASS.2025.42.1.1Challenges to Space Activities in the Context of Mega Satellite Constellations: A Focus on Environmental ImpactsSheer0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3770-1164AbbasThe advent of low Earth orbit (LEO) mega satellite constellations to accelerate high-speed internet worldwide represents a new technological advancement. However, this development raises concerns regarding militarization, orbital debris, environmental protection, and their effects on space tourism. Despite these challenges, existing space law treaties have not addressed these issues. This article highlights the gaps in current treaties and emphasizes the need for advancements to mitigate emerging challenges and ensure long-term solutions. This study explores the legal challenges associated with possible smashes flanked by existing satellites in orbit and newly launched satellites as part of mega-constellations, which could jeopardize mission safety and threaten the sustainability of space activities. It also analyzes the significant issues related to space debris, particularly given the anticipated increase in satellite constellations in LEO over the coming decades. The increase in small satellites with shorter lifespans is likely to contribute to greater debris generation. Finally, these findings suggest the need for a suitable international legal structure to facilitate the efficient deployment and operation of satellite techniques.https://www.janss.kr/archive/view_article?pid=jass-42-1-1long-term sustainabilityspace environment challengesmega satellite constellations
spellingShingle Sheer
Challenges to Space Activities in the Context of Mega Satellite Constellations: A Focus on Environmental Impacts
Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
long-term sustainability
space environment challenges
mega satellite constellations
title Challenges to Space Activities in the Context of Mega Satellite Constellations: A Focus on Environmental Impacts
title_full Challenges to Space Activities in the Context of Mega Satellite Constellations: A Focus on Environmental Impacts
title_fullStr Challenges to Space Activities in the Context of Mega Satellite Constellations: A Focus on Environmental Impacts
title_full_unstemmed Challenges to Space Activities in the Context of Mega Satellite Constellations: A Focus on Environmental Impacts
title_short Challenges to Space Activities in the Context of Mega Satellite Constellations: A Focus on Environmental Impacts
title_sort challenges to space activities in the context of mega satellite constellations a focus on environmental impacts
topic long-term sustainability
space environment challenges
mega satellite constellations
url https://www.janss.kr/archive/view_article?pid=jass-42-1-1
work_keys_str_mv AT sheer challengestospaceactivitiesinthecontextofmegasatelliteconstellationsafocusonenvironmentalimpacts