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AAS Statement on Satellite Proliferation
Adopted 8 June 2019, Revised 7 June 2025
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) notes with concern the accelerating deployment of large constellations of satellites into Earth orbit. The number of satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) has risen exponentially in recent years, and over one million satellite license applications have been filed for deployment over the coming decades at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), creating the potential for substantial adverse impacts to ground- and space-based astronomy if only a fraction of these systems come to fruition as well as the long-term sustainability of the orbital environment. These impacts include disruption of optical and infrared observations by direct detection of satellites and space debris in reflected and emitted light (optical and infrared); contamination of radio astronomical observations by electromagnetic radiation, including unintentional emission outside of allocated satellite communication bands; and proliferation of space debris due to collisions that may render portions of Earth’s orbit unusable for the foreseeable future.
The AAS recognizes that outer space is an increasingly available resource with many possible uses. However, the potential for large satellite constellations launched by nations around the world to adversely affect both each other and the study of the cosmos is becoming increasingly apparent, both in LEO and beyond. Modern space situational awareness requires international coordination, and astronomers can offer unique perspectives to inform these efforts, as has been recognized in diplomatic fora including the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), which adopted a 5-year agenda item in 2024 to study the impacts of satellite constellations on dark and quiet skies and ground-based astronomy.
Additionally, the components of satellite constellations undergo planned deorbit to mitigate the proliferation of space debris. However, deposition of metal and black carbon particles in the atmosphere from satellite launches and deorbits may impact global climate and the integrity of Earth’s ozone layer, while larger mechanical components on uncontrolled reentry trajectories risk damaging human life and property on the ground, both from impacts and pollution. The AAS encourages the broader scientific community to continue to study the potential global environmental impacts of satellite constellations and communicate findings to appropriate groups.
The AAS is actively working to assess the impacts on astronomy from large satellite constellations and mitigation strategies as their numbers rise further. Only with thorough and quantitative understanding can we properly assess the risks and identify appropriate mitigating actions across scientific, regulatory, and socially impacted communities. The AAS desires that this be a collaborative effort among its members, other scientific societies, and other space stakeholders, including private satellite companies and the U.S. federal government. The AAS will support and facilitate the collaborative work by relevant parties to understand fully and minimize the impact of large satellite constellations on ground- and space-based astronomy.
To this end, the AAS endorses IAU Resolution 2024 #1 “for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from harmful interference by satellite constellations" as guidance for establishing priorities for mitigations.