A research paper published in Nature Astronomy suggests that space must receive special legal protection in order to preserve and protect the environment from debris and light pollution.
The study notes that there is an increase in the volume of debris in low orbital space – the name given to the region about 100 miles above the planet – and this has led to light pollution, which causes problems for astronomers when it comes. to explore space.
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The University of Edinburgh study is being treated as a reference in an ongoing case before the US Court of Appeals in order to obtain legal protection for the space environment.
According to the study, there is an increase in the number of satellite mega-constellations with a huge number of satellites operating in low orbital space. As most of them are used for different purposes, there is a danger of debris that could potentially damage the satellite.
As a result, the researchers asked the authorities to draw up a legal framework for the protection of the space environment, taking into account the space constellations.
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“We stand on a watershed in history. We can cheaply launch a huge number of satellites and use them for the benefit of life on Earth – but that comes at a price. In addition to damaging stargazing, the space industry can be shot in the foot, “said Professor Andy Lawrence, a professor of astronomy at the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh and lead author, The Scotsman.
Professor Lawrence was called as an expert witness during the ongoing trial in the United States.
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