Summary of Petition

This petition calls for urgent attention to the environmental impact of satellite megaconstellations. As thousands of satellites are deployed to expand global internet coverage, we must address the ecological and atmospheric costs associated with their construction, frequent replacement, and eventual re-entry. Specifically, this petition highlights concerns about the sustainability of materials used in satellite manufacturing, the potential contamination of the upper atmosphere from satellite disintegration, interference with efforts to monitor for potentially hazardous asteroids, and the carbon footprint of repeated satellite launches. Given the far-reaching implications for our atmosphere and climate, this petition urges policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to evaluate and mitigate the environmental impacts of satellite megaconstellations to safeguard our shared planet.

 

Introduction

In recent years, we have seen a surge in satellite megaconstellations like Starlink, designed to provide global internet coverage. While these initiatives offer significant technological advancements and accessibility benefits, they also raise urgent questions about the long-term environmental, resource, and health implications of launching and continuously replacing thousands of satellites. Additionally, we must assess the potential for satellite interference with astronomical research, including efforts to monitor potentially hazardous asteroids.

This petition calls upon leading regulatory bodies, environmental organizations, and scientific research agencies to undertake comprehensive studies and ensure transparency on these critical issues. We, the undersigned, believe that the public deserves clear answers regarding the effects of increasing satellite saturation in the Earth’s atmosphere, the sustainability of resource-intensive manufacturing processes, and the safety of these systems for the global environment and future generations.

As satellites in these constellations reach the end of their operational lives, they are designed to burn up in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. However, the environmental impact of this practice—specifically the accumulation of rare metals and complex compounds—is largely unknown. Furthermore, the construction and launch of these satellites rely on finite resources such as lithium and cobalt, raising concerns about the sustainability of these projects in light of global supply limitations.

Launching rockets is carbon-intensive, with each launch emitting greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and other pollutants into the atmosphere, including at high altitudes where they may have disproportionate impacts. Traditional rocket propellants release CO₂, water vapor, and black carbon (soot) into the stratosphere, which can linger and contribute to both warming and potential changes in atmospheric chemistry. Launching thousands of satellites as part of mega-constellations significantly increases these impacts. 

We urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Commission (EC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Health Organization (WHO) to prioritize research and policy measures addressing these issues. The time to act is now, before irreversible impacts compromise the health of our atmosphere, our environment, and our planet’s resources. We ask for a unified effort to ensure that the development of satellite technology aligns with principles of environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and public transparency.

 

Environmental Impact

The deployment of vast satellite constellations like Starlink poses urgent and potentially catastrophic environmental risks, many of which remain largely unstudied. As these satellites reach the end of their short lifespans—often only five years—they are designed to disintegrate in the upper atmosphere, releasing thousands of tons of metals, chemicals, and rare elements. Critically, the long-term impact of saturating our atmosphere with particles of aluminum, lithium, barium, strontium, and other exotic compounds remains unknown. Historically, when humanity has introduced large quantities of man-made substances into the atmosphere—whether chlorofluorocarbons, aerosols, or industrial emissions—the results have been severe and often irreversible. Proceeding without fully understanding these effects is reckless and endangers the stability of our atmosphere and climate.

Additionally, the climate impact of satellite launches is a pressing concern. Each rocket launch consumes an enormous amount of fuel, releasing greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and black carbon, directly into the upper atmosphere. Unlike ground-level emissions, these pollutants persist for longer at high altitudes, contributing to both short- and long-term global warming effects. Black carbon particles, in particular, absorb sunlight, which can lead to further warming of the stratosphere and contribute to ozone layer depletion.

The frequency and volume of satellite launches required for maintaining mega-constellations compound these issues. With the operational lifespan of many satellites being only five to seven years, the need for continuous replenishment means that we are looking at a potentially endless cycle of launches, each adding to the carbon footprint. In the face of an existential climate crisis, launching thousands of satellites with such short operational lifespans is unsustainable and risks undermining global efforts to reduce emissions. Continuing down this path could set back hard-won progress in combating climate change and compromise the global commitment to a sustainable future.

In addition, certain rocket propellants release aluminum oxide and chlorine compounds, which can have localized, severe impacts on the ozone layer, further intensifying the environmental toll of each launch. The cumulative effect of these emissions, particularly if satellite mega-constellations become more prevalent, poses an environmental risk that warrants careful consideration.

In light of these serious concerns, we urge regulatory agencies, environmental organizations, and international bodies to take immediate action. The public deserves transparent, evidence-based assessments of the long-term impact of satellite megaconstellations. In the absence of responsible and rigorous research, we risk severe and irreversible harm to the planet. The stakes are too high to proceed without caution and accountability. We must prioritize planetary health, future generations, and a sustainable path forward over unchecked technological expansion.

 

Resource Sustainability

The unprecedented expansion of satellite constellations like Starlink raises serious concerns about the sustainable use of Earth’s limited resources. Each satellite requires significant quantities of rare metals, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are not only finite but also essential for other critical applications, such as medical devices, renewable energy technologies, and electronics. As global demand for these resources intensifies, we risk depleting supplies needed by future generations and other vital sectors.

The environmental and social costs of mining these metals are also profound. Lithium and cobalt extraction are particularly resource-intensive processes, often causing severe environmental degradation, water depletion, and toxic pollution in mining regions. Furthermore, some cobalt mining operations have been linked to human rights abuses, including child labor, especially in countries with weak labor protections. Expanding satellite production only intensifies the demand for these resources, pushing already vulnerable communities and ecosystems to the breaking point.

By investing vast amounts of these precious resources into satellites with relatively short operational lifespans—often just a few years—our approach to satellite infrastructure becomes highly unsustainable. Without effective recycling programs, the raw materials used in each satellite are lost to space or the atmosphere, with limited opportunity for recovery. This lack of resource circularity contrasts sharply with global efforts to transition to more sustainable, circular economies that maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste.

We call upon regulatory bodies and industry leaders to examine the long-term sustainability of satellite manufacturing and to prioritize resource-efficient practices, including the development of reusable and recyclable satellite components. The finite nature of these materials demands that we handle them responsibly, with a focus on preserving our planet’s resources for future generations and ensuring that technological progress does not come at the expense of environmental and social sustainability.

 

Transparency and Public Right to Know
As satellite megaconstellations become an increasingly significant feature of our global infrastructure, the public has a fundamental right to know the full environmental, social, and health impacts of these projects. Yet, there is currently a troubling lack of transparency surrounding the long-term effects of mass satellite deployment and atmospheric disintegration. The decision to proceed with these ventures has largely occurred behind closed doors, with limited public engagement, input, or scrutiny from independent scientific bodies. This lack of transparency denies communities the opportunity to make informed decisions about technologies that may significantly impact their environment, health, and safety.

History has shown us the dangers of unchecked technological expansion. When decisions affecting public and environmental health are made without proper oversight and public awareness—as seen with asbestos, leaded gasoline, and ozone-depleting chemicals—the consequences have been severe and long-lasting. The risks posed by satellite constellations, from potential atmospheric contamination to resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions, merit rigorous, independent investigation. The public must have access to transparent, comprehensive data on these risks, along with open channels for questioning and accountability.

We urge regulatory agencies, environmental organizations, and policymakers to establish clear protocols for public disclosure and to prioritize transparency in assessing the environmental and health impacts of satellite networks. This transparency is essential for fostering trust and ensuring that we can make informed choices that align with broader societal and environmental goals. At stake is the public’s right to a safe, healthy, and sustainable planet—a right that must not be compromised by decisions made without full understanding and oversight.

 

Monitoring Space for Asteroids

One of the most overlooked risks of satellite mega-constellations is their potential to hinder our ability to detect and monitor potentially hazardous asteroids. As companies launch thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), the increased sky brightness and light pollution make it more difficult for ground-based telescopes to detect faint, fast-moving objects in space. Long-exposure astrophotography, crucial for identifying asteroids, is often disrupted by satellite streaks, reducing the effectiveness of planetary defense efforts. Additionally, radio frequency interference from these satellites can impact radar and radio-based asteroid tracking systems, making it harder to determine the precise trajectories of near-Earth objects (NEOs). The growing threat of space debris also raises concerns, as collisions between satellites could generate more orbital clutter, potentially jeopardizing space-based observatories designed for asteroid detection, such as the upcoming NEO Surveyor mission. Given that an undetected asteroid impact could have catastrophic consequences for life on Earth, it is imperative to consider the unintended risks that satellite mega-constellations pose to planetary defense and implement strict regulations to ensure that space remains a viable environment for asteroid monitoring.

 

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

We call upon the FCC to exercise its regulatory authority over satellite communications and infrastructure to ensure environmental responsibility and public transparency. Specifically, we urge the FCC to establish clear, enforceable guidelines that require satellite operators to conduct comprehensive environmental and health impact assessments before launching additional satellites. These assessments should evaluate potential atmospheric impacts from satellite disintegration, greenhouse gas emissions from repeated launches, and the sustainability of resource consumption.

Further, we ask the FCC to institute public reporting requirements for satellite companies, mandating that data on environmental impacts, resource use, and atmospheric contamination risks be readily accessible to the public. By implementing these guidelines, the FCC can play a critical role in holding satellite operators accountable and fostering a responsible approach to the rapid expansion of satellite constellations. Such transparency is essential for ensuring that these projects do not compromise public health, environmental sustainability, or the safe use of shared resources.

We ask the FCC to implement stricter regulations requiring satellite operators to minimize interference with scientific observations, including asteroid tracking. 

 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
We urge NASA to apply its expertise in atmospheric science and environmental monitoring to assess the potential long-term effects of satellite disintegration in the upper atmosphere. Given NASA’s leadership in understanding our planet’s atmospheric chemistry and the impact of foreign substances, we request that NASA initiate or support independent research on the potential consequences of introducing large quantities of satellite-derived metals and compounds into the upper atmosphere. This research is vital for understanding possible outcomes that could affect global climate patterns, air quality, and environmental health.

Additionally, we call on NASA to work closely with other regulatory agencies to set safe, science-based limits on satellite disintegration and to collaborate on developing alternatives that mitigate atmospheric contamination risks. As a globally respected leader in space exploration and environmental stewardship, NASA has a unique responsibility to ensure that our efforts to expand communication infrastructure do not come at the expense of planetary health.

We ask NASA to conduct impact assessments on how satellite megaconstellations affect ground-based and space-based asteroid detection efforts.

 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
As a leader in monitoring and protecting our planet's atmosphere and climate, NOAA is uniquely positioned to assess the environmental impacts of large-scale satellite deployments on atmospheric and climatic systems. We ask NOAA to prioritize research on how satellite megaconstellations and their eventual disintegration may affect atmospheric chemistry, ocean health, radar-based asteroid monitoring systems, and climate change. This includes investigating the potential for satellite-derived particles to contribute to atmospheric warming, alter cloud formation, or interfere with oceanic and atmospheric cycles that regulate Earth's climate.

Furthermore, we urge NOAA to provide public guidance on the cumulative environmental effects of satellite operations, including emissions from launches and the risks posed by materials released during atmospheric re-entry. NOAA’s expertise and transparency in these areas will be essential to understanding and mitigating the potential environmental costs of expanding satellite constellations.

European Space Agency (ESA)
As a global leader in space exploration and innovation, the ESA is in a pivotal position to ensure that Europe’s contributions to satellite technology align with environmental responsibility and sustainability. We call upon the ESA to implement and uphold strict environmental guidelines for European satellite operators, requiring them to conduct comprehensive life-cycle assessments of satellites—including the environmental impact of their production, launch, and disintegration in the atmosphere. We urge the ESA to collaborate with international agencies in setting standards to limit the cumulative atmospheric impact of satellite disintegration and ensure that resource sustainability is a guiding principle for satellite technology development.

Furthermore, we encourage the ESA to invest in research for sustainable materials and alternative designs that minimize the environmental footprint of satellites. By setting a high standard for environmentally responsible satellite technology, the ESA can lead the way toward sustainable practices that safeguard Earth’s atmosphere and finite resources.

We ask the ESA to conduct impact assessments on how satellite megaconstellations affect ground-based and space-based asteroid detection efforts.

 

European Commission (EC)
The European Commission, as a key policymaker for environmental regulation across Europe, has a critical role in ensuring that technological advancement does not come at the expense of environmental health or resource sustainability. We urge the EC to enact policies that require satellite operators to publicly disclose the environmental and resource impacts of their projects, from material extraction to satellite disintegration. This transparency will allow European citizens to make informed decisions about the technologies shaping their environment.

Additionally, we ask the EC to regulate satellite operators’ use of rare earth elements and other finite resources by setting limits and incentivizing the development of sustainable alternatives. Given the climate crisis, the EC should also mandate emissions reduction strategies for satellite launches and encourage investment in lower-emission technologies. The EC’s leadership in these areas would demonstrate a commitment to protecting Europe’s environment, resources, and public health while promoting responsible technological innovation.

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
As the primary body within the United Nations responsible for international cooperation in space, UNOOSA has a unique responsibility to ensure that the rapid expansion of satellite constellations aligns with global environmental and sustainability goals. We call on UNOOSA to establish an international framework for evaluating and mitigating the environmental impact of satellite megaconstellations, including the effects of satellite disintegration in the upper atmosphere and the cumulative impact of emissions from satellite launches. Such a framework should require operators to submit environmental impact assessments before deployment, enabling nations to make informed decisions about satellite projects affecting shared atmospheric resources.

We ask UNOOSA to work with global space agencies to establish international guidelines ensuring that commercial satellite deployments do not impede asteroid tracking efforts and advocate for regulations to limit satellite reflectivity and radio frequency interference.

In addition, we urge UNOOSA to advocate for the responsible use of finite resources—such as rare earth elements—across the space industry, encouraging nations to prioritize resource-efficient and sustainable satellite technologies. Given the potential risks to both the environment and global resource supplies, we request that UNOOSA convene an international working group dedicated to researching the long-term effects of satellite operations on Earth’s atmosphere and climate.

UNOOSA’s leadership is essential to fostering a balanced approach that allows space technology to advance without compromising the health of our planet. By promoting environmental stewardship in space, UNOOSA can ensure that outer space remains a shared, sustainable resource for all of humanity.

 

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
As the global authority on environmental issues, UNEP has a critical role in assessing and mitigating the environmental impacts of emerging technologies, including satellite megaconstellations. We call on UNEP to conduct comprehensive research into the potential environmental consequences of large-scale satellite operations, particularly focusing on the unknown effects of metals and other materials released into the atmosphere when these satellites disintegrate. Given the limited understanding of how these particles might interact with atmospheric chemistry, climate patterns, and ecological systems, it is essential that UNEP spearheads studies to evaluate the potential risks.

Moreover, we urge UNEP to collaborate with other international organizations to develop best practices for the sustainable use of resources in satellite manufacturing. By providing guidelines on the use of rare and finite materials such as lithium and cobalt, UNEP can help curb the environmental degradation associated with resource extraction and promote the development of sustainable alternatives. With climate change posing an existential threat to ecosystems and human life, UNEP’s leadership in these efforts is crucial to safeguarding the planet’s health.

We also encourage UNEP to advocate for global policies that require satellite operators to minimize emissions associated with launches and other operational phases. By ensuring that satellite operations adhere to strict environmental standards, UNEP can help prevent space-based technologies from undermining progress in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.

 

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
As the United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, the ITU plays a pivotal role in coordinating global satellite communications and ensuring that technological advancements serve humanity responsibly. We call on the ITU to incorporate environmental sustainability and resource stewardship into its regulatory framework for satellite megaconstellations. Given the unprecedented scale of recent satellite deployments, it is essential that the ITU establish guidelines that require satellite operators to consider the full lifecycle impact of their satellites—from resource extraction to atmospheric re-entry.

Additionally, we urge the ITU to facilitate transparency by requiring satellite operators to publicly disclose detailed information regarding their satellites’ environmental impact, including data on materials used, expected operational lifespans, and protocols for safe deorbiting and re-entry. By making such information available, the ITU can empower citizens and policymakers to make informed decisions about the environmental impacts of satellite networks.

We ask the ITU to implement stricter regulations requiring satellite operators to minimize interference with scientific observations, including asteroid tracking.

Finally, we request that the ITU promote international cooperation on best practices for managing the environmental footprint of satellite constellations. This includes working with member states to create and enforce standards that limit emissions from satellite launches, encourage the use of sustainable materials, and mitigate potential disruptions to the atmosphere caused by large numbers of deorbiting satellites. Through these measures, the ITU can help ensure that satellite technologies evolve in a way that respects our planet’s ecosystems and resource limits.

 

World Health Organization (WHO)
As the foremost global authority on health, the WHO is uniquely positioned to evaluate and address potential health risks associated with satellite megaconstellations. We call on the WHO to investigate the possible impacts of satellite re-entry particulates on atmospheric and public health. The large-scale dissolution of satellite materials in the upper atmosphere may release metals and other compounds whose long-term effects on air quality, respiratory health, and climate stability are not fully understood. Given the precedent of unforeseen health impacts from airborne pollutants, it is imperative that the WHO lead research into these potential risks.

Furthermore, we ask the WHO to establish health-based guidelines that address satellite manufacturing and disposal practices, particularly regarding the use of potentially hazardous materials. As more satellites enter orbit, we risk saturating the atmosphere with byproducts that could affect ecosystems and human populations globally. Through proactive guidance, the WHO can help mitigate risks to public health and advocate for safety standards that prioritize human well-being.

Finally, we encourage the WHO to collaborate with environmental and space agencies worldwide to share findings, develop policies, and promote public awareness of any health risks associated with satellite operations. By spearheading these efforts, the WHO can play an essential role in protecting both current and future generations from the potential health consequences of large-scale satellite constellations.

 

Closing with Signatures
We, the undersigned, recognize that safeguarding our planet and our future requires informed, responsible approaches to technological innovation. The rapid expansion of satellite constellations and the unprecedented scale of their environmental impact have introduced a pressing need for thorough, transparent research and thoughtful regulation. This petition reflects our collective demand for accountability and a shared commitment to sustainable practices in space exploration and communication infrastructure.

By signing this petition, you join a global community advocating for scientific rigor, environmental responsibility, and transparency in the development of satellite networks. Together, we call on the organizations addressed to prioritize these issues with urgency and diligence. Our voices, united, can bring necessary attention to the long-term effects of satellite megaconstellations, ensuring that our shared resources are preserved for future generations. 

This is a defining moment. The decisions made today will shape the world we leave behind. Our signatures are a call for action to protect both our environment and the legacy we pass on to those who will follow.

Your support is vital. With your signature, we take a crucial step toward establishing a future where technological advancement aligns with the health of our planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants. Stand with us in asking for meaningful action and responsible innovation in space.