Mega-constellations Risk Multiple Tragedies of the Commons
Aaron Boley
UBC

Low-Earth orbit is being developed rapidly and unsustainably. Among the principal drivers of this development is the initial construction of so-called mega-constellations, which seek to place tens of thousands of communications satellites into orbit. These systems promise world-wide connectivity on a scale never before seen. However, these same systems risk multiple tragedies of the commons, such as the alteration of the naked-eye night sky, increased radio interference, interference with optical and infrared astronomy, atmospheric pollution from re-entries and launches, debris cascades in LEO, and increased property and casualty hazards from re-entering satellites. In this talk, I will discuss these challenges in turn, as well as some potential options to aid in mitigating the negative effects of mega-constellations. Astronomers are in a unique position, as an influential group of space users who love and appreciate the night sky, to help guide policies that cultivate sustainable practices in the development of space.

Date:	Jeudi, le 25 mars 2021
Heure:	11:30
Lieu:	Université de Montréal
	Zoom
Contact:	Ren? Doyon