Elon Musk Angry Satellite Called Dangerous In Space
JAKARTA - The CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, did not stay silent when his internet satellite fleet was said to be disturbing and dangerous. He even immediately rejected the scathing criticism.
SpaceX has been operating a large number of satellites, dubbed Starlink. The satellite circled above the Earth to provide internet for its inhabitants. Musk argues that his satellite will help to bring reliable and fast internet connections to most of the planet.
However, astronomers say Starlink is blocking view of the sky, and space experts have warned that its satellites run the risk of colliding and causing danger in space.
The head of the European Space Agency (ESA) argues that Musk is making his own rules for industrial operations above Earth. But Musk is now saying that the impact from the satellite means nothing and poses no problem.
“Space is very big, and satellites are very small. This is not a situation where we effectively block others in any way. We don't block anyone from doing anything, nor do we expect it," Musk told the Financial Times.
The 50-year-old said there would be no impact from several thousand satellites. Even so, space experts argue that only relatively minor collisions are needed to cause major disturbances in the sky above Earth and in those below.
A 1978 study by a NASA scientist raised fears of Kessler syndrome, in which even a minor collision can trigger a domino effect that can form a layer of debris, not only destroying satellites but making new space launches impossible.
Previously, Musk's satellite was also protested by China, for forcing Tiangong Space to take action to avoid a collision with the satellite launched by Musk.
According to documents submitted by China earlier this month to the United Nations (UN) space agency, the satellites from Starlink Internet Services were said to have made very close proximity to the Chinese space station on July 1 and October 21.
"For security reasons, the Chinese Space Station has implemented collision prevention controls," China said in a document published on the website of the United Nations Office of Space Affairs.