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Reflected Orbital
1) environmental consequences
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to express concern about the environmental consequences of increased reflected light from large satellite constellations in low Earth orbit. Sunlight scattered from satellite surfaces contributes to artificial skyglow, extending human light pollution into regions far beyond urban centers.
Many species rely on natural cycles of light and darkness to regulate migration, reproduction, feeding, and predator avoidance. Even subtle increases in nighttime brightness can disrupt insect populations, bird navigation, marine life behavior, and plant physiology. Expanding orbital infrastructure at unprecedented scale risks compounding existing light pollution and placing additional stress on already vulnerable ecosystems.
Given the cumulative and far-reaching nature of these impacts, I urge the Commission to require comprehensive environmental review before approving further large-scale deployments.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City and State]
2) Human Wellbeing and Public Safety
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to raise concerns about the human health and safety implications of increased reflected light from large satellite deployments. Additional skyglow contributes to the erosion of natural nighttime darkness, which plays a critical role in regulating human circadian rhythms and sleep cycles.
Artificial light at night has been associated with sleep disruption and broader health effects. Beyond physiological concerns, bright moving satellites and reflected glare may create distractions or hazards for drivers, pilots, and individuals using optical instruments. Increased glare in dark-adapted environments can compromise visual performance and situational awareness.
Before approving expansion at significant scale, I respectfully urge the Commission to evaluate the cumulative impacts of orbital light on public health and safety.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City and State]
3) Astronomy
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to express serious concern regarding the impact of reflected orbital light on astronomical research. Large numbers of reflective satellites increase overall sky brightness and produce streaks across telescope images, degrading data quality and reducing the sensitivity of ground-based observations.
Modern astronomical instruments are designed to detect extremely faint signals from distant galaxies, exoplanets, and near-Earth objects. Increased skyglow and satellite interference threaten long-exposure imaging, time-domain surveys, and radio astronomy. This affects not only scientific discovery but also planetary defense efforts that rely on detecting potentially hazardous asteroids.
The night sky is both a scientific resource and a shared human heritage. I urge the Commission to carefully consider these consequences before authorizing large-scale deployment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City and State]
4) Orbital Debris
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to express concern about increased collision and debris risks associated with large-scale satellite expansion in low Earth orbit. The orbital environment is already crowded, and significantly increasing the number of active satellites raises the probability of accidental collisions.
Each collision event can generate thousands of debris fragments, increasing the risk of further impacts in a cascading effect. Such a scenario could compromise access to space for commercial, scientific, and governmental missions for decades.
Given the shared and finite nature of orbital space, I respectfully urge the Commission to require rigorous independent modeling of collision probabilities and debris mitigation strategies before approving additional large-scale deployments.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City and State]
5) economic damages and commercial impacts on dark-sky–dependent industries:
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to express concern regarding the economic consequences of increased reflected orbital light from large satellite deployments. The progressive brightening of the night sky does not only affect science and ecosystems — it also carries tangible financial costs for industries and communities that depend on natural darkness.
Dark-sky tourism has become an important source of revenue for rural regions, national parks, and designated Dark Sky Reserves. Visitors travel specifically to experience pristine night skies, generating income for local lodging, guiding services, observatories, and hospitality businesses. Increased skyglow from satellite reflections threatens the very resource these communities rely upon.
In addition, commercial activities such as astrophotography, amateur astronomy equipment markets, educational observatories, and stargazing events depend on clear, dark conditions. Diminished sky quality reduces demand, undermines investments, and erodes economic opportunities tied to nighttime experiences.
Before approving large-scale orbital expansion, I respectfully urge the Commission to assess the potential economic harm to dark-sky–dependent industries and communities. The night sky is not only a cultural and scientific asset — it is also an economic resource whose value should not be compromised without careful consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City and State]
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