Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Tragedy Of The Commons
One might think with the immensity of space there would be no tragedy of the commons where everyone uses orbital elevations and thereby wrecks them. But, that is how experts are seeing an upcoming SpaceX launch with 64+ Cubesat satellites. The charge is that SpaceX is cluttering the space commons. It turns out there is only so much room circling the earth and already with hundreds of satellites and associated launch debris up there, tracking new objects is difficult and dangerous. What is to prevent future satellites from being obliterated by fast moving objects? This could prove to be a PR problem for SpaceX sooner or later. There isn't enough room for everyone. One would need to clear dead satellites and junk before sending more in their place. That, or wait until they fall and burn up in the atmosphere, which could take years.
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