Since its inception in 2019, SpaceX has launched around 6,500 Starlink satellites, with ambitions to expand the fleet to over 40,000.

In 2023, SpaceX led the industry with 98 successful orbital launches out of a total of 211 globally, a trend that has continued into 2024.

The rise of Starlink satellites has contributed to a significant increase in the number of reentering rocket stages, from 50-100 annually to approximately 300.

Currently, about 40% of disused satellites reentering the atmosphere are from SpaceX's Starlink, resulting in at least 500 kilograms of debris incinerated daily.

Experts note that Starlink satellites are a major source of atmospheric debris, with reentries occurring almost daily.

These satellites are designed to be replaced every five years, leading to ongoing reentries and concerns about atmospheric pollution.

Atmospheric scientists have criticized satellite megaconstellation operators like SpaceX for their contributions to pollution in Earth's upper atmosphere.

Despite being the largest contributor, satellite megaconstellations like Starlink account for only about 12% of the ozone depletion attributed to the global space sector.

Currently, the space industry's overall contribution to ozone layer damage is about 0.1%, but emissions from burning satellites could linger in the atmosphere for decades.

While satellite launches and reentries contribute to ozone depletion, solid rocket motors from other launch systems are deemed more harmful.

Starlink satellites, primarily made of aluminum, convert to aluminum oxide when burned, raising concerns about potential damage to the ozone layer and altering Earth's albedo.

Research indicates that as satellite deployments increase, the frequency of launches and reentries will also rise, amplifying the potential environmental impact.