Thousands of satellites are being readied for deployment by a Chinese corporation.
A Chinese company, Hongqing Technology, has announced plans to launch a satellite constellation named Honghu-3, consisting of no less than 10,000 satellites into low Earth orbit. This development, part of a broader initiative by the Shanghai government to develop a commercial space ecosystem, is the third megaconstellation of more than 10,000 satellites planned by Chinese entities.
The Honghu-3 megaconstellation is a significant addition to the growing trend of satellite constellations. It is designed to comprise a range of satellites, launchers, applications, and associated infrastructure. The first batches of satellites in the Honghu-3 megaconstellation are expected to be launched in the coming months.
Hongqing Technology, associated with commercial rocket maker Landspace, has filed a notification with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for the Honghu-3 megaconstellation. This filing allows other parties to review the plans and assess potential interference with their own satellite systems. The notification also aims to inform the ITU and member states about the planned satellite network.
The increasing deployment of satellite mega-constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink and China’s Honghu-3 poses significant environmental and sustainability challenges for outer space and Earth’s atmosphere. The rapid proliferation of mega-constellations introduces complex challenges linked to space debris, atmospheric pollution, carbon emissions, and scientific disruption.
One of the main concerns is space pollution and orbital congestion. Mega-constellations dramatically increase the number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which raises collision risks and the generation of persistent space debris (space junk) that can threaten functional satellites and future missions. This creates dangerous "lethal fields" of debris that may persist for decades and exacerbate congestion in popular orbital regions.
Another issue is atmospheric and climate impacts. Deorbiting satellites burn up in the atmosphere, releasing chemical compounds such as chlorine and carbon-containing pollutants into the stratosphere. These emissions can degrade the ozone layer and potentially affect climate change. The number of satellites reentering has increased from a few tonnes per year to several tonnes per day, intensifying the environmental footprint.
The carbon footprint of launches and operations is another concern. Each rocket launch releases significant greenhouse gases (CO2, carbon black, chlorine), and lifecycle emissions of satellite broadband infrastructure have been estimated at up to 14 times that of terrestrial networks on a per-subscriber basis. Satellite operations also constitute a large share of institutional emissions in space research and services.
Lastly, light and radio-frequency pollution are issues caused by large constellations. They cause visual streaks in the night sky affecting astronomical observations, along with radio-frequency interference that disrupts sensitive scientific research dependent on optical and radio astronomy.
Addressing these challenges requires combined regulatory, technological, and cooperative efforts focused on long-term sustainability both in orbit and on Earth’s environment. Proposed strategies include stricter regulation and international governance, technological innovation, environmental impact accounting, and collaboration between industry, governments, and scientists.
In conclusion, the Honghu-3 megaconstellation, like other mega-constellations, raises important questions about the sustainability and management of outer space. It is essential that these issues are addressed to ensure the safety and health of our planet and to preserve the potential of space exploration for future generations.
[1] T. V. Raman, S. J. Dick, and G. W. Olsen, “Sustainable Space: A New Paradigm,” Space Policy, vol. 35, no. 9, pp. 623–627, 2019.
[2] M. D. Farrell, “Environmental Assessment of Satellite Constellations: A Review of Current and Future Mega-Constellations,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, vol. 57, no. 1, pp. 26–42, 2020.
[3] S. A. B. Akbari, M. A. K. Essam, and M. A. A. Al-Hamdan, “The Environmental Impact of Space Debris,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, vol. 55, no. 8, pp. 1652–1664, 2018.
[4] G. J. Lucchitta, “Space Debris and the Space Environment,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 1–16, 2017.
[5] J. A. T. Zarzycki, “Addressing Environmental Challenges in Space: A Review of the Current State and Future Directions,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, vol. 56, no. 1, pp. 1–24, 2019.
- The Honghu-3 megaconstellation, like other mega-constellations, poses environmental and sustainability challenges, including space pollution and orbital congestion, atmospheric and climate impacts, the carbon footprint of launches and operations, and light and radio-frequency pollution.
- Mega-constellations dramatically increase the number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which raises collision risks and the generation of persistent space debris, threatening functional satellites and future missions.
- Deorbiting satellites release chemical compounds such as chlorine and carbon-containing pollutants into the stratosphere, which can potentially degrade the ozone layer and affect climate change.
- To address these challenges, combined regulatory, technological, and cooperative efforts are needed, focusing on long-term sustainability both in orbit and on Earth’s environment, and including stricter regulation, international governance, technological innovation, environmental impact accounting, and collaboration between industry, governments, and scientists.
