Can I see Elon Musk satellites? The answer is yes, and scientists say there is plenty to behold. Tens of thousands of satellites have been launched in recent years by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and other companies, some of which are visible to the human eye.
Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, founded in 2002, has successfully launched a total of 12,000 satellites into various orbits around the planet by early 2021. According to SpaceX’s Starlink website, these satellites are “constantly communicating with each other to create a dedicated system for all users” that will eventually offer high speed global broadband internet access.
Finding the satellites is a simple process. You can enter your location into a specialized website that will calculate the exact times that the satellites will be visible as they pass along. Websites like Heavens-Above.com, N2YO.com, and others will provide an accurate timeline of the passing satellites in your area so that you can find and track them.
Astrophysicists agree that having this kind of technology could be beneficial for spotting asteroids and other inbound objects that could threaten Earth. These satellites could also be valuable for military purposes, communication networks, environmental monitoring, and more. A number of commercial satellite imaging companies have already been established to take advantage of this technology and have seen exponential growth.
Viewing Elon Musk’s satellites can be a rewarding experience. As they pass quickly through the night sky, their movements can create incredible visual effects. Hundreds of satellites have already been caught by satellite watchers around the world in photos and videos. Some of these users have even managed to track up to 200 satellites in a single night.
Although it is an extraordinary sight, many astronomers are concerned about the amount of light these moving objects can produce, which can interfere with telescope readings and obscure celestial events like meteor showers. Scientists are also looking into how satellite debris left in Earth’s orbit if collisions were to occur could also interfere with other satellites. Due to this, governments have been discussing the need for protocols related to satellite launches and other related international regulations.
Therefore, while there is indeed much to marvel at from the perspective of a sky-watcher, there is much to think about from a broader viewpoint. We cannot merely marvel at these sights without understanding the implications that come with them.
Environmental Considerations
Questions around the environmental impact of Elon Musk’s satellite launches have been increasingly debated. Will the satellites disturb marine life? Could the sheer number of satellites in orbit be an environmental hazard? According to the European Space Agency, space debris, satellites and rockets all pose a risk of pollution to Earth’s atmosphere and their effects need to be monitored.
Scientists advise that when launching a satellite, debris must be generated and reduced at a minimum. For instance, if a rocket booster is launched, rather than burning it up into Earth’s atmosphere, it must be directed away from the trajectory of the satellite in order to reduce the amount of pollution it produces.
The mission of the Space Safety Coalition, founded in 2019 is to “identify, advocate and advance safety, environmental and sustainability measures” to ensure the safety of all in space. This means that the standards being set and reinforced around Elon Musk’s satellite launches should incorporate suitable strategies that ensure our planet will be well-protected.
As the scientific community begins to assess the risks and benefits of the satellite launches, it is important that we consider the current regulations that apply and analyse the potential for new ones.
Costs of Satellite Launches
The satellites that Elon Musk has launched has also come attached with a hefty price tag. Reports released by Vox news state that satellite launches cost anywhere from “several hundred thousand dollars” up to hundreds of millions. Such a price tag can include the cost of fuel, materials, labour, repairs and other related expenses. The cost can also depend on where the satellite is being launched from. Countries with launch platforms can often reduce the cost.
In addition to the cost of the launch itself, organisations that aim to set up communications networks need to face the financial demands associated with the engineering, manufacturing, and upkeep of the satellites, as well as the cost of the ensuring software and technologies.
The International Space Agency reports that the space industry has had an impressive level of growth in the 21st century and, according to their research, the industry brought in approximately “$353 billion” for 2020 alone. As the shift away from traditional technology gathers pace, the global cost of space exploration could be expected to grow.
Overall, these costs suggest that space exploration should by no means be seen as a costly venture. With up-to-date technology and skilled experts, the cost of satellite launches will inevitably reduce, making space exploration a profitable venture.
The Impact of SpaceX
Elon Musk’s ambition to launch satellites has also had an effect on the wider space industry. Historically, space exploration was dominated by government agencies in each country, such as NASA in the United States. Private interests, such as those with Elon Musk, have managed to reduce the state’s monopoly, taking over much of the costs and responsibilities of space exploration.
The SpaceX project has seen private companies gain access to satellite launching facilities, as well as robotics and other space technologies. Private companies are contributing their expertise to support the technology, which is providing innovative solutions that would otherwise not be available if the project was left to a single government agency.
SpaceX is also contributing to the advancement of space exploration by investing in research and development. The company has already developed and launched multiple new satellite models, with an ambition to launch over 30,000 in the next few years. Such technological progress has pushed the boundaries of what was possible before and can be expected to continue doing so.
The space industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, and we are only beginning to understand the implications that this will have on space exploration. Companies such as SpaceX are creating opportunities for those wanting to explore the cosmos in ways that have not been done before.
Societal Benefits
The impact of technological innovations from Elon Musk’s satellites goes beyond the scientific and financial. SpaceX’s flagship internet project, Starlink, is set to revolutionize access to the internet for many who, due to remote area or hardship, may otherwise not have access. According to Elon Musk himself, the Starlink project is aimed to make internet connection “more omnipresent” around the world.
Starlink’s overall mission is to bridge the digital divide and allow poorer regions to access technology that only richer countries could otherwise benefit from. For example, many rural communities, typically located in developing countries, may have very limited access to high speed internet connection.
The introduction of Starlink technology could become the conduit that would eventually bring socioeconomic benefits to numerous communities. It has been suggested that development initiatives in health, education, and the economy could be enabled through the use of the technology, and the gaps between rich and poor transformed. This initiative is part of Elon Musk’s vision of making access to technology more equitably distributed.
The potentially positive implications of the satellite launches are clear. If successful, the universal internet project could make a real difference to access and ultimately, to lives. Elon Musk’s satellite launches provide a gateway to look beyond the stars into the broader implications of technology and its potential for societal benefit.
Ethical Considerations
Starlink’s universal internet project raises questions concerned with the ethical implications of its implementation. What laws will be necessary to protect people’s privacy throughout different countries? How will intellectual property be respected and maintained? How will governments protect copyright? Will governments accept the use of satellite technology on their national grounds?
The ethical considerations of space exploration require a degree of consideration and accountability for each of these questions and more. The adoption of proper regulations and collaboratively agreed ethical codes is essential for ensuring the safe use of this technology and its implications.
As the exploration of space is made available to all through the Starlink project, these regulations will be necessary to ensure that the technology is being used responsibly, that the planet is being protected, and that the technology does not become a tool for political dominance. The Starlink project demonstrates potential for both abuse and progress.
Finally, the implications of satellite technology must be considered with reference to the impact it has on our environment and its ability to reshape our future. Precautions must be taken to ensure that the technology is not used in a way that could cause irreparable damage. By considering both the economic and environmental impact of Starlink, we can ensure that the technology is being used in an ethical and sustainable way.
