Increasing greenhouse gas emissions may harm satellites.

• Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could reduce the number of satellites orbiting Earth by up to 66% by the end of the century.
• The increase in greenhouse gases can shrink Earth’s upper atmosphere, reducing the density of Earth’s orbital space and causing space debris.
• Dr. William Parker from MITCambridge and colleagues used atmospheric modelling to estimate the number of satellites that can be sustainably maintained in Earth’s orbit by 2100.
• The maximum number of satellites that can be sustainably managed in low Earth orbit will be 50-66% less by 2100, equivalent to approximately 25-40 million satellites.
• The authors also estimated the ideal distribution of orbital objects and deviations from this distribution under different emission scenarios.
• The authors stress the importance of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions for Earth’s climate and preserving outer space access.