Large Satellite Constellations: Challenges and Impact

The New Space Age (NewSpace) marks the advent of a new era in the use of space, characterized by the opening of space to new players, the use of new space technologies, new functionalities for satellites in orbit, and the development of satellite constellations, mainly in the fields of communications and Earth observation. These developments are underpinned by first-rate scientific and technological advances, as well as considerable public and private investment, in particular in the USA, China and, to a lesser extent, Europe. Fleets of small low- and medium-orbit satellites are replacing or complementing the large geostationary satellites that predominated in the previous period. Whereas space used to be reserved to a small number of states and major industrial groups, one is now witnessing the emergence of new space states, new industrial groups such as SpaceX or Amazon, and many start-ups. One also observes the emergence of companies with launching and satellite manufacturing capacities, which are also taking on the role of telecommunication operators and content producers. The most visible result of the deployment of these new space networks is the ability to provide high-speed, low-latency Internet connections to any point on the globe. Combined with Earth observation capabilities, these new communications resources also enable real-time action to be taken in any region, including those with no equipment other than terminals. In addition, these space networks are remarkably resilient compared with terrestrial networks. Geostrategic and military considerations combine with rapidly evolving business models to explain the massive investments currently being made in this domain. However, the lack of international regulation in the field is leading to a race to occupy orbits and frequencies, which has already had serious consequences for a whole range of scientific activities. These constellations have a potentially negative impact on astronomy in the visible and infrared optical domains, as well as on radio astronomy. They also raise a major problem in terms of space congestion, with an increase in the amounts of satellite debris resulting from launches or collisions between satellites, and the possibility of reaching a phase of chain reaction collisions. In addition, from an environmental point of view, the consequences of the proliferation of launches and uncontrolled re-entries into the atmosphere are equally worrying. What’s more, the lack of regulation in the field also leads to a loss of sovereignty, since these new satellite communication networks do not comply with any of the rules that states impose on terrestrial communication networks operating on their territories. A sustainable, global solution must be found to these problems, before major and potentially irreversible damage is inflicted on the planet’s environment, geostrategic balances, democracy, and science. While the Acad´emie des Sciences considers that France and Europe need to step up their scientific and industrial actions in this field in order to benefit from the remarkable advances of these new networks, and ultimately leverage the benefits of a resilient and secure communications network, the Acad´emie also recommends working in parallel to strengthen regulation of the field with the aim of assuring sustainable access to orbital and frequency resources, as well as protection for negatively impacted fields, foremost among which are astronomy and the environment.