Environmental groups urge FCC to require impact review for proposed space data-center satellites

A coalition of environmental and scientific groups, led by the nonprofit Earthjustice, has filed a petition with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) demanding an environmental review of proposals to launch large constellations of satellites that would serve as space-based data centers. The companies seeking licenses, including SpaceX, have applied for permission to place up to one million satellites in low-Earth orbit, but the applications do not currently require analysis of potential impacts on the atmosphere, wildlife or night-sky visibility.

"Allowing a million orbiting data centers with no environmental review isn’t just irresponsible — it’s reckless," said Tim Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

"Drastically expanding satellites in space has a direct impact on people’s everyday lives as well as the future of our planet," said Jan Hasselman, senior attorney at Earthjustice.

"These projects could permanently alter the night sky as we know it," said Ruskin Hartley, executive director of Dark Sky International.

The petition argues that the sheer scale of the proposed constellations could increase collision risk, generate additional space debris, and contribute to greenhouse-gas emissions from launch rockets. It also highlights concerns that the deorbiting of satellites may release heavy metals and other pollutants, while the proliferation of reflective objects could intensify light pollution, disrupting ecosystems and wildlife behavior.

Currently, Earth orbit hosts about 15,000 active satellites and 46,000 tracked objects. The FCC has not required environmental assessments for satellite deployments, a policy the coalition seeks to change by urging the agency to halt licensing until comprehensive reviews are completed.