Why satellite Internet access is more polluting than terrestrial alternatives

Satellite constellations (Starlink in this case) providing Internet access to remote areas now represent a major environmental issue. — AFP Relaxnews

For several years now, constellations of low Earth orbit satellites have been growing overhead. These thousands of satellites are designed to provide Internet access to isolated populations, covering virtually the entire surface of the globe.

SpaceX’s Starlink (over 4,000 satellites already in orbit), Amazon’s Kuiper (over 3,000) and OneWeb (over 600) are just a few examples of providers working in the field. However, this way of delivering connectivity appears to be far more polluting than traditional terrestrial alternatives.