A research paper published in Nature Astronomy suggested that the space be given special legal protection to protect it from light pollution and debris.
The study found that there has been an increase of debris in low orbital space, the area located around 100 miles above the Earth. This has caused light pollution that is causing problems for astronomers when trying to view the space.
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The Edinburgh University research will be used as a reference in an ongoing case before US Court of Appeal. This case is aimed at securing legal protection for space environment.
According to the study, there’s been an increase in satellite mega constellations. This means that there are a lot of satellites operating in low orbital space. Because they are used for different purposes, there is a risk that debris could damage a satellite.
The researchers therefore requested that the authorities draft a legal framework to conserve the space environment, after taking into account space constellations.
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We are at a historic turning point in history. It is possible to launch large numbers satellites at low cost and use them for the benefit all life on Earth. However, this comes at a high price. The space industry may be doing more harm than good stargazing,” Professor Andy Lawrence of the University of Edinburgh Institute for Astronomy told The Scotsman. He is also the Regius Professor of Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh Institute for Astronomy.
Professor Lawrence was appointed as an expert witness in the ongoing legal proceedings in the United States.
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