Earth surrounded by satellites and pollution, with a single leaf representing hope.

Space Race Red Alert: The Shocking Environmental Cost of Satellite Broadband

Soraya Malik in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Is our quest for global connectivity in Low Earth Orbit creating an unsustainable space junk storm of emissions?"

The allure of global connectivity is powerful. Imagine a world where everyone, regardless of location, has access to high-speed internet. This vision is being rapidly pursued through the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) broadband satellite constellations. Companies like SpaceX (Starlink), Amazon (Kuiper), and Eutelsat Group (OneWeb) are launching thousands of satellites into space, blanketing the Earth with a web of signals. The promise is tantalizing: bridging the digital divide, fostering economic development, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

However, this rush to connect the unconnected is not without its shadows. A new study reveals a concerning truth: the environmental footprint of these LEO constellations is significantly larger than many realize. While satellites offer a technological leap in communication, the cost of launching and maintaining them is adding up in ways that demand careful consideration.

This article will dive into the sustainability assessment of LEO satellite broadband, examining the environmental emissions impacts from burning rocket fuels, comparing these to terrestrial alternatives, and exploring the difficult trade-offs policymakers and consumers must navigate. Are we sacrificing our planet for the sake of faster internet in remote areas?

Rocket Launches: The Dirty Secret of Space-Based Internet

Earth surrounded by satellites and pollution, with a single leaf representing hope.

The most obvious environmental impact stems from the sheer number of rocket launches required to deploy and replenish these massive constellations. Each launch spews a cocktail of pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, black carbon, and other harmful substances. The study highlights that LEO megaconstellations are roughly 6-8 times more emissions-intensive than terrestrial mobile broadband, clocking in at approximately 250 kg CO2eq per subscriber per year.

In a worst-case scenario, where the impact of black carbon and other particles is fully accounted for, this figure skyrockets to 12-14 times more than terrestrial options, reaching 469 kg CO2eq per subscriber per year. To put this in perspective, the annual emissions from LEO constellations can be equivalent to the energy usage of tens of thousands of US homes or the emissions from an equivalent number of gasoline-powered vehicles.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Contributes to global warming.
Black Carbon: A potent short-lived climate forcer with significant warming potential.
Nitrogen Gas, Carbon Monoxide: Air pollutants with health and environmental impacts.
Aluminum Oxide: Can deplete the ozone layer and affect regional climate.
Hydrochloric Acid: Contributes to acid rain and can damage ecosystems.

The type of rocket fuel used also plays a crucial role. While some companies are exploring more sustainable options, the current reliance on kerosene-based fuels is a major contributor to the overall emissions. The study notes that different rocket combinations, including those from SpaceX, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Russia, have varying emission profiles, further complicating the environmental assessment.

Balancing Connectivity with Environmental Responsibility

The study paints a stark picture: the current trajectory of LEO satellite deployment carries a significant environmental cost. However, it also acknowledges the immense potential of these constellations to connect underserved communities and advance the SDGs. The challenge lies in finding a balance between these competing priorities. Policy makers, industry leaders, and consumers must work together to develop and implement sustainable practices that minimize the environmental footprint of space-based internet. This includes investing in cleaner rocket fuels, improving satellite design for reduced emissions, and exploring alternative terrestrial solutions where feasible. The future of connectivity must be one that doesn't compromise the health of our planet.

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Everything You Need To Know

What are the main environmental impacts of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband constellations?

The environmental impact of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations primarily stems from rocket launches. These launches release a cocktail of pollutants into the atmosphere, including Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Black Carbon, Nitrogen Gas, Carbon Monoxide, Aluminum Oxide, and Hydrochloric Acid. The study highlights that LEO megaconstellations are roughly 6-8 times more emissions-intensive than terrestrial mobile broadband, clocking in at approximately 250 kg CO2eq per subscriber per year. In a worst-case scenario, this figure skyrockets to 12-14 times more than terrestrial options, reaching 469 kg CO2eq per subscriber per year.

How do the emissions from LEO satellite constellations compare to terrestrial mobile broadband?

LEO satellite constellations are significantly more emissions-intensive than terrestrial mobile broadband. The study found that LEO megaconstellations are approximately 6-8 times more emissions-intensive than terrestrial mobile broadband, averaging around 250 kg CO2eq per subscriber per year. Considering the impact of black carbon and other particles, this can increase to 12-14 times more emissions, reaching 469 kg CO2eq per subscriber per year. This disparity arises from the frequent rocket launches required to deploy and maintain the LEO constellations, compared to the relatively lower emissions of terrestrial infrastructure.

What is the role of rocket fuel in the environmental impact of LEO satellite broadband?

The type of rocket fuel used plays a critical role in the environmental impact of LEO satellite broadband. While some companies are exploring sustainable options, the current reliance on kerosene-based fuels is a major contributor to overall emissions. Different rocket combinations, including those from SpaceX, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Russia, have varying emission profiles. Therefore, the specific fuel composition and combustion processes of these rockets directly influence the type and amount of pollutants released during launches. These pollutants include substances like carbon dioxide, black carbon, and other harmful substances that affect the environment.

What are the potential benefits of LEO satellite broadband, and how does this relate to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

LEO satellite broadband constellations offer the potential for global connectivity, enabling high-speed internet access regardless of location. This promises to bridge the digital divide, foster economic development, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs encompass various objectives, including poverty reduction, quality education, and sustainable cities and communities, all of which can be supported by enhanced internet access. However, this potential is offset by the environmental impact of launching and maintaining these constellations, requiring a careful balance between connectivity and environmental responsibility.

What steps can be taken to balance the benefits and environmental costs of LEO satellite broadband?

Balancing the benefits and environmental costs of LEO satellite broadband requires a multi-faceted approach. Policy makers, industry leaders, and consumers must collaborate to develop and implement sustainable practices. This includes investing in cleaner rocket fuels to reduce emissions, improving satellite design for reduced emissions, and exploring alternative terrestrial solutions where feasible. The key is to minimize the environmental footprint of space-based internet while still delivering the advantages of global connectivity. This proactive approach is essential to ensure that the pursuit of faster internet does not compromise the health of the planet.