Warning from Scientists: Starlink Satellites May Increase Cancer Risk
A prominent astronomer warned that the satellites belonging to "Starlink," owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, could cause a serious environmental disaster affecting the Earth's atmosphere.
According to scientist Jonathon McDowell, who has spent over 37 years at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the increasing number of these satellites could lead to the destruction of the stratosphere, especially the ozone layer, which may increase rates of skin cancer and eye problems due to the rise in ultraviolet rays reaching the Earth.
* Increasing Space Debris
Currently, figures indicate that there are over 25,000 pieces of space debris orbiting the Earth, including defunct satellites, spent rockets, and fragments resulting from collisions.
The number of active satellites for "SpaceX" is about 8,000, with plans to launch more satellites in the coming years.
In this context, "SpaceX" launched over 2,000 new satellites during the year 2025 alone, raising the amount of space debris to a concerning level.
* Warnings from the Federal Aviation Administration
For its part, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned that these satellites could pose a threat to human life by 2035 if the pace of their launches continues at this speed.
Despite this, Elon Musk dismissed these warnings as "ridiculous and inaccurate," noting that "SpaceX" satellites are designed to completely disintegrate upon re-entering the atmosphere.
However, the company admitted in February 2025 that some satellites do not burn up completely upon returning to Earth, raising concerns about their environmental impacts.
* The Risk of 'Kessler Syndrome'
It is concerning that satellite falls could reach five times a day in the coming years, threatening what is known as "Kessler Syndrome";
which is a series of cascading collisions in low orbit that could create dense clouds of space debris, posing a risk to all future space activities.
* Increasing Risks to the Environment and Space Security
With the rising number of satellites, there is growing concern about the potential negative impacts on the environment and space security, necessitating the implementation of preventive measures to ensure the safety of planet Earth and its skies.
