Space Traffic Control Faces Critical Test as Satellite Constellations Grow
WASHINGTON – A surge in commercial satellite launches, spurred by deregulation initiated during the Trump administration, is creating a rapidly escalating risk of collisions in orbit and possibly obscuring astronomical observations, experts warn. While current systems successfully maneuver satellites to avoid impacts and decommission older, riskier models, the impending deployment of thousands of competitor satellites to SpaceX‘s Starlink poses a meaningful challenge to maintaining safe and coordinated space operations.
Astronomer Meredith Lawler describes the current situation as “perfect,” but anticipates a critical inflection point as rival constellations come online. The core issue lies in the lack of standardized data sharing and coordination between these operators, raising concerns about their ability to avoid collisions. “Right now one american private company effectively controls orbit,” Lawler stated. “If you want to go to a higher altitude orbit, you have to talk to Starlink and make sure that they’re not going to hit your satellite as you go through.”
The proliferation of satellites isn’t just a safety concern; it’s also impacting astronomical research. While starlink has attempted to mitigate it’s impact on sky visibility by making satellites fainter, Lawler notes these efforts are offset by an increase in satellite size. This presents a fundamental engineering challenge: how to deliver satellite services with fewer, longer-lasting objects.
The current regulatory environment, shaped by a push for deregulation under the Trump administration, has facilitated this rapid expansion of commercial space activity. Critics argue this approach prioritizes commercial interests over long-term sustainability and safety in orbit. SpaceX and the White House have been contacted for comment.
Despite calls from some astronomers for a pause on launches, both Starlink and its competitors continue to pursue aspiring deployment plans. Lawler fears a major collision in orbit might potentially be necessary to galvanize political action, drawing a parallel to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill as a catalyst for regulatory change. “I really am afraid that something very bad has to happen before things will change,” she said.
