In almost record time, the satellite internet service of Starlink derived from SpaceX and that, therefore, it is one more company Elon Musk, has been praised for its potential to revolutionize web access in remote areas that were previously simply impossible to connect. However, unfortunately, behind the dazzling shine of technological innovation, worrying evidence has emerged about the potential negative impacts that the deployment of this infrastructure would have. Among them, one that could affect the health of the planet with direct damage to the ozone layer.
When Elon started his companytaking advantage of every possible flight of its private space agency, the forecast on its effectiveness was actually very reserved. But as time has gone by we have seen that the business is relatively feasible and it has demonstrated the genuine value of its project in the least expected circumstances, to be honest.
Perhaps the most shocking way in which the existence of Starlink and its real potential is with the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where Elon has used his satellites to keep the invaded country's communications online, which has been a great help to the population.
But not everything is as harmless as it seems.
Starlink would have a severe impact on the ozone layer
Researchers from the Department of Astronautical Engineering, University of Southern California They warn that the large number of Starlink satellites orbiting the Earth could release a considerable amount of aluminum oxides into the atmosphere. These could in turn trigger chemical reactions that destroy the ozone layer that protects us from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The study developed by a group of scientists and Posted by AGU reveals that the re-entry of satellites from Elon Musk's company has already increased aluminum levels in the atmosphere by 29.5%. So it is estimated that once the satellite constellations are complete, the amount of aluminum oxides released annually will increase to 397 tonsa 646% more than natural levels:
![Elon Musk's Starlink would be a threat to the ozone layer Elon Musk's Starlink would be a threat to the ozone layer](https://www.fayerwayer.com/resizer/v2/NEVPBV6FH5G4BGUTFF4OCP725A.jpg?auth=2cccb4fad9fb67b8d99eba57809734a2952021277b49bb6512902608b9efe8e2&width=800&height=504)
“Aluminium oxides trigger chemical reactions that destroy stratospheric ozone, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Oxides do not react chemically with ozone molecules, but instead trigger destructive reactions between ozone and chlorine that deplete the ozone layer.
Because aluminum oxides are not consumed by these chemical reactions, they can continue to destroy molecule after molecule of ozone for decades as they descend through the stratosphere.”
The ozone layer is essential for life on Earth and its weakening can have a severe impact on human health, with cases of skin cancer, cataracts and other health problems related to excessive exposure to UV radiation.
But what alternatives are there if not with Starlink?
From that perspective, the best thing for the ozone layer would be not to have a network of satellites floating up there permanently if it bothers nature and the planet's environment so much.
In fact, some telecommunications experts point out that the best way to “close the digital divide” would be the implementation of fiber optic networks in rural areas, complemented by 5G and fixed wireless connection.
In theory it is an idea that would work, but the construction of open access fiber networks at that community level is a reality that today remains a completely distant thing.