GUARDS Objection Against Space-X Application to Provide Wi-Fi From Space Submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Due To Environmental and Health Effects
Eight companies thus far, are gearing up to provide high-speed global Wi-Fi coverage from space within the next three to four years. This would be an ecological and public health nightmare. The extensive satellite networks required will require the launch of hundreds of kerosene-burning rockets annually. This would deplete the ozone layer and contribute significantly to climate change.
This letter is GUARDS’ objection against an application by one of these companies (Space-X), submitted to the FCC to provide Wi-Fi from space.
Eight companies thus far are gearing up to provide high-speed global Wi-Fi coverage from space within the next three to four years. This will involve the launching of as many as 11,000 low-orbit satellites, and their periodic replacement. It will mean the launch of hundreds of kerosene-burning rockets annually.
Martin Ross of the Aerospace Corporation was the lead author of a paper published in 2010 titled “Potential climate impact of black carbon emitted by rockets.” The authors developed a computer model to predict what would happen in different parts of the planet if the number of launches burning kerosene (then 25 annually) increased by a factor of ten. His model predicts as much as a 4% loss of ozone over the tropics and subtropics, as much as a 3-degree Celsius summertime increase in temperature over the South Pole, more than a one-degree overall increase in Antarctic temperature, and a decrease in Antarctic sea ice by 5% or more.
If you are in any way involved with the UNFCCC COP 21 Climate Change Conference, or have connections with any of the parties, we would like help with tabling an item. In particular, we are asking for the agreement that is being adopted, to be extended to include rocket emissions. Currently, the agreement covers emission from fuel used for international aviation and marine transport, but not emissions from rocket fuel: http://unfccc.int/methods/emissions_from_intl_transport/items/1057.php
It is important that the emissions from the kerosene-burning rockets be addressed since they will deplete the ozone layer and contribute significantly to climate change. We would greatly appreciate your support in tabling this item to be discussed at the upcoming UN conference so that the agreement might be extended to cover rocket emissions, before it is adopted.
You can email GUARDS at info@stopglobalwifi.org to support our efforts in tabling this item at the upcoming UNFCCC COP 21 Conference.
Satellite Deployment Plans
The eight companies seeking to provide global Wi-Fi radiation include:
• SpaceX: 4000 satellites, 750 miles high
• OneWeb: 2,400 satellites, 500-590 miles high (http://www.cnbc.com/id/102340448)
• Samsung: 4,600 satellites, 930 miles high
• Facebook: Satellites, drones, and lasers.
• Google:200,000 high altitude balloons (62,500 feet) (“Project Loon”)
• Iridium Next: 66 satellites, 483 miles high. An existing slow speed system. Launching of the “next generation” (higher speed) satellites is scheduled to begin in October 2015 and to be completed by 2017.
• Globalstar: 24 satellites, 880 miles high. Already in operation at slow data speeds.
• Outernet: 200 nanosatellites (4 inch cubes), 560 miles high.