A growing number of Starlink satellites are falling from orbit, creating an unprecedented surge in atmospheric re-entries. In January alone, over 120 satellites burned up, with 4–5 disintegrating daily.

While they don’t reach the ground, their destruction releases metallic vapours, including aluminium oxides that deplete the ozone layer. Studies show an 8-fold increase in these pollutants since 2016, raising concerns about long-term atmospheric damage.

https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL109280
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