TECH NEWS – Starlink – i.e. Elon Musk’s initiative to bring the Internet to every corner of the Earth – can be extremely harmful to the ozone layer…

A new day and, as usual, a new problem with Elon Musk. We recently learned that the current owner of the X is facing a potentially historic fine in Europe for one reason: encouraging misleading inspection practices. Unfortunately, this time, the news is related to Starlink. It is its most ambitious project, competing with several Chinese companies in the race to dominate space.

As the JeuxVideo portal points out in a recent publication, the thousands of Starlink satellites placed in low orbit by SpaceX are starting to raise concerns about their impact on the ozone layer. Essentially, this area of ​​the stratosphere is vital to both humans and the planet. Because it absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

That is why Musk’s company’s satellite launches pose a threat to the ozone layer and, consequently, to the form of life on Earth as we know it today.

Starlink satellites produce more than 360 tons of harmful compounds every year

Unfortunately, aluminium oxide particles are released into the atmosphere during the launch and deactivation/destruction of satellites. These have a negative effect on the ozone layer. The destruction of a single 250-kilogram satellite can produce up to 30 kilograms of such particles! This quantity remains in the atmosphere for decades. Therefore, with a fleet of more than 6,000 satellites and the intention to go well beyond that number, the problem will only get worse over time.

The particles act as catalysts according to the original source. They amplify the harmful effect on ozone. As a result, they can emit more than 360 tons of aluminium oxide compounds annually. This seriously endangers the ozone layer. By the way, regulations related to the space sector were tightened this year. Musk will have to adjust his policies to comply with these laws. Otherwise, it would be a problem for the ozone layer. In addition, the launch of thousands of satellites exacerbates issues such as the greenhouse effect, overloading of low Earth orbit, and other ecological problems…

Source: JeuxVideo