Number of artificial satellites in earth orbit
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Current Number of Artificial Satellites in Earth Orbit
As of recent years, the number of artificial satellites in Earth orbit has been rapidly increasing. In 2016, there were 1,381 active satellites, with the United States’ Space Surveillance Network tracking about 8,000 manmade objects of baseball-size and larger in orbit around Earth . By 2019, the number of operating satellites had grown to about 2,000 . More recent estimates indicate that there are over 22,300 human-made objects larger than 10 cm in orbit, but only about 2,000 of these are operational satellites, with the rest classified as space debris .
Growth Driven by Satellite Megaconstellations
The surge in satellite numbers is largely due to the deployment of large constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink. As of July 2023, there were about 4,500 Starlink satellites and 630 OneWeb satellites in orbit, and filings with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) suggest that the number of satellites could increase dramatically in the coming years . Some filings propose constellations with hundreds of thousands of satellites, and in total, plans for over one million satellites have been submitted to the ITU in the last six years 59. If these plans are realized, the number of satellites in orbit could increase by orders of magnitude beyond current levels .
Distribution and Density in Low Earth Orbit
Most new satellites are being placed in low Earth orbit (LEO), typically below 2,000 km altitude. The proposed Starlink constellation alone could include around 12,000 satellites, dominating the lower part of Earth orbit and creating a high density of objects, especially at certain latitudes . This concentration of satellites in LEO is already causing concerns for ground-based astronomy and space traffic management 18.
Space Debris and Non-Operational Satellites
A significant portion of the objects in orbit are non-operational satellites and debris. About 89% of the 22,300 tracked objects are considered debris, not functioning satellites . NASA estimates that debris larger than 1 cm numbers more than half a million pieces, posing risks to operational satellites and future launches 2710.
Future Projections and Challenges
If current trends continue and all proposed satellite constellations are launched, the number of artificial satellites could reach hundreds of thousands or even exceed one million 59. This would create major challenges for space traffic management, increase the risk of collisions, and potentially lead to the formation of a debris belt around Earth 78. Mathematical models suggest that with enough satellites, it would be possible to have nearly 700,000 satellites in orbit such that any view of the night sky through a telescope would be interrupted by at least one satellite .
Conclusion
The number of artificial satellites in Earth orbit is rapidly increasing, driven by the deployment of large constellations for communication and internet services. While there are currently a few thousand operational satellites, filings and projections suggest that this number could rise dramatically in the near future, potentially reaching into the hundreds of thousands or millions. This growth presents significant challenges for space safety, debris management, and astronomical observations 12456789+1 MORE.
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