Trump’s FCC Just Handed Musk a Major Win, but Scientists Are Warning of an 'Orbital House of Cards'

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved a proposal by SpaceX's Starlink to operate its satellite internet network at lower altitudes, a move that is seen as a significant win for Elon Musk's company. The decision will allow Starlink to operate its satellites at an altitude of 550 kilometers, down from the previous limit of 1,150 kilometers. This change is expected to result in a doubling of the number of Starlink satellites in the sky by 2031, potentially leading to more frequent sightings and concerns about light pollution and the impact on astronomy. However, the FCC's decision has also raised concerns among scientists, who warn that the increased number of satellites at lower altitudes could create an "orbital house of cards" and pose risks to space debris mitigation efforts. The article highlights the tension between the commercial interests of companies like SpaceX and the potential environmental and scientific consequences of the rapid expansion of satellite networks in low Earth orbit.