Official statements from international space agencies

100 Researchers Urge FCC to Pause SpaceX Starlink Launches for Environmental Review

Nov 4, 2024, 11:01 AM

A group of 100 space researchers has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to pause new satellite launches, citing environmental concerns linked to SpaceX's Starlink program. In a letter addressed to the FCC, the researchers called for a thorough environmental review before any further launches are permitted. The request comes as astronomers have also voiced their concerns regarding the impact of satellite megaconstellations on space and astronomical observations. Meanwhile, SpaceX submitted a letter to the FCC advocating for updates to the spectrum sharing framework between Geostationary (GSO) and Non-Geostationary (NGSO) satellites, marking a significant step in discussions about satellite regulation in the U.S. This update would be the first major change to the rules in over a decade, reflecting ongoing debates about the balance between satellite deployment and environmental stewardship.