Starlink satellites are designed to completely burn up upon reentry, but every few months there are news reports about space debris impacting Earth.

  • ClassIsOver [he/him]@hexbear.net
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    3 days ago

    https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-plans-to-send-42k-satellites-into-space-that-could-be-bad-news-for-the-ozone/

    These satellites are designed to last about five years. A 550-pound satellite will release about 66 pounds of aluminum oxide nanoparticles during reentry. Starlink’s satellites have grown heavier over time, with the latest version weighing in at about 2,760 pounds.

    The aluminum will mostly be released between 30 and 50 miles above the Earth’s surface but will then drift down to the ozone layer, which would take about 30 years. We’re already seeing these effects – satellites burning up in 2022 caused a 29.5% increase of aluminum in the atmosphere above the natural level – but the researchers said it will only get worse.

    mmm, gross.