Only from Starlink has the amount of substances affecting space increased

Satellites in space risk modifying our atmosphere. This is a concern that has been raised for a long time, related to the uncontrolled number of satellites that are launched, mainly those Starlink for unlimited internet owned by Elon Musk.

According to Spaceweather experts, in the first 4 months of 2026 alone, they have released 5 tons of aluminum oxide into the atmosphere, a substance on which little is known about the consequences or dangers it presents.

On the one hand, the concern is overpopulation in the Earth’s orbit, and on the other hand, they are provoking high amounts of metals in the upper atmosphere because each of them turns to dust when it enters a low quota of 75-110 km.

For the issue of overcrowding, the primary solution envisaged by the company was precisely to have a short life, maximum 3 years, and small dimensions and replaceable parts.

But what they leave behind in their disintegration is another problem, since when their operation turns off, they turn into dust releasing 30 kg of aluminum oxide each.

Within a short time, it is thought that the number of Starlink satellites as well as the competition will increase, which will lead to an exponential increase in the tons of aluminum oxide in the atmosphere and mesosphere, about 360 tons per year.

This may bring unknown side effects to the chemistry of the ozone layer and the entire air our.

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Source: prizrenpost