[metadat]

More satellites == more space debris pollution, not really something I'm interested in supporting. Eventually we won't be able to safely get off this rock if there's too much space trash orbiting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_debris

[chroma]

I was addressing the comment about the economics of lower launch costs, not space debris. Similar to past pollution issues, I think it will be a problem but not a show stopper. There are already global standards for satellite end of life procedures. Most governments require that satellites be able to passivate themselves so that pressure vessels or batteries don't explode and create more debris. Geosynchronous satellites are required to have extra propellant so they can move to a graveyard orbit. Many satellites are put into low orbits so that atmospheric drag will cause them to deorbit within a known time frame. And lower launch costs will make it easier to launch spacecraft that can clean up debris.

Also, reusable spacecraft such as Starship actually reduce the amount of debris created per launch, as most space debris comes from spent upper stages. Of the 25 recent debris producing events listed on Wikipedia[1], 16 were caused by debris that would not be created by a reusable spacecraft (either an upper stage, a payload adapter, or a fairing).

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_space_debris_producing...

[Titan2189]

This https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kessler_syndrome

[metadat]

Thanks! This is the link I was searching for but didn't find.

[panick21_]

By that same logic you think humans should not use ships right? I mean, more ships, means more ocean debris?

[avmich]

Unless you specifically send satellites to hunt for debris and bring it back. We have NORAD database of flying objects and Starship possibilities... hmm, I wonder if more satellites == less space debris pollution with such an approach...

[metadat]

What's a database going to do for you when your craft runs into debris? Nothing.

[chroma]

These databases (which include collision risks) are public. Satellite owners use them to make maneuvers so they can avoid getting too close to debris or other satellites. Since these collision risks can be predicted days in advance, it takes very little thrust to prevent them. Even cubesats without propulsion systems can change their orbits, as their orientation affects how much drag they experience.

[metadat]

Agreed, this will generally work up until the Kessler Threshold is reached.