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SpaceX Plans Cosmic Graveyard for Data Centers
1 Jun
Summary
- SpaceX proposes graveyard orbits for orbiting data centers.
- Graveyard orbits risk unsustainable collision rates, experts warn.
- Satellites above 600km might not re-enter atmosphere.
SpaceX has indicated to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) a plan to retire the majority of its proposed 1 million orbiting data centers (ODCs) into graveyard orbits, rather than burning them up in the atmosphere. This approach applies to satellites operating above 600 kilometers altitude.
While SpaceX argues this method may be more reliable and sustainable, space debris experts express significant concern. They warn that accumulating a vast number of retired ODCs in graveyard orbits could lead to unsustainable collision rates, potentially creating fragments that could contaminate all Earth orbits.
Additionally, the article notes potential environmental concerns regarding the atmospheric re-entry of Starlink satellites, suggesting this might influence SpaceX's decision. The company has also alluded to future hardware recycling capabilities for decommissioned satellites, though the feasibility of such plans remains unclear.
Experts have also identified discrepancies in SpaceX's orbital estimates provided to the FCC. The proposed plan awaits FCC approval, with the long-term viability of orbiting data centers compared to terrestrial ones still a subject of debate.
