G7 science academies call for international space governance

Science academies from G7 nations are calling for the establishment of a permanent international space governance body to manage the rapid proliferation of satellites in low Earth orbit. The surge in orbital traffic, driven by companies like SpaceX and its Starlink constellation, has increased the risk of collisions and the creation of space debris. Between December 2024 and May 2025, Starlink alone performed over 144,000 collision avoidance maneuvers.

Beyond the physical risks of the Kessler syndrome—a chain reaction of collisions that could render certain orbits unusable—scientists are raising concerns about atmospheric pollution. As satellites reach the end of their lifespans, they are deorbited to burn up in the atmosphere. This process releases metals, such as aluminum, which can transform into alumina particles. Researchers warn that these particles could persist in the stratosphere for decades, potentially interfering with the chemical processes that protect the ozone layer.

While no significant impact on the ozone layer has been definitively demonstrated yet, the continuous flux of atmospheric re-entries caused by the renewal of mega-constellations is prompting urgent scientific investigation into this new form of pollution.