Dear Readers,

The communication network architecture involves thousands of small satellites, ground stations for interface, communication links between satellites and ground stations, routing and protocols for efficient data transmission, and network management for reliability. The Starlink satellite constellation is a vast network of satellites deployed by SpaceX to provide global broadband internet coverage. As of March 2023, 299 Starlink V1 (first generation) satellites re-entered the Earth’s ionosphere at a mass of approximately 300 kg each. Since the beginning of the space industry, approximately 20,000 tons of material have been demolished during reentry, meaning a similar amount may remain as plasma dust. The Starlink V2 satellite constellation (just one of many planned mega-constellations) intends to have 42,000 satellites, each the mass of a SUV, truck, or large car (1250+ kg). Each satellite has a planned lifetime of only 5 years (if successful and many satellites are failing sooner), Thus to maintain the mega-constellation, 23 satellites per day will complete a re-entry burn in the upper atmosphere. This is approximately 26,308 kilograms (29 tons) of satellite re-entry material every day, just for the Starlink mega-constellation. Readers, while we enjoy the capabilities Starlink constellations, a pressing question presents “At what cost?” Herein this quarterly, the Editor explores the answer and encourages K-12 students reflect on how such costs impact their daily lives. The discussion will be as a conference presentation at the 67th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics, November 17-21, 2025, Long Beach, California.

Sincerely,
Ronald H. Freeman, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
October 1, 2025