Elon Musk and his SpaceX team want to launch up to one million satellites as part of a proposal to power massive data centres in space.

They pitch it as a clean, green alternative to regular data centres. But as Earth’s orbit becomes increasingly crowded, what will Elon’s mega constellation do to our night sky? And could a crash between satellites set off a catastrophic chain reaction?

Today, Associate Professor of Astronomy Sam Lawler on the potential for disaster, the need for new space laws, and the time a huge piece of space junk landed in her home town!

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: Associate Professor of Astronomy, Samantha Lawler

Photo: Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters Images Europe/Pool/dpa

Elon Musk and his SpaceX team want to launch up to one million satellites as part of a proposal to power massive data centres in space.
They pitch it as a clean, green alternative to regular data centres. But as Earth&rsquo;s orbit becomes increasingly crowded, what will Elon&rsquo;s mega constellation do to our night sky? And could a crash between satellites set off a catastrophic chain reaction?
Today, Associate Professor of Astronomy Sam Lawler on the potential for disaster, the need for new space laws, and the time a huge piece of space junk landed in her home town!
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Associate Professor of Astronomy, Samantha Lawler
Photo:&nbsp;Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters Images Europe/Pool/dpa

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

Why Elon’s million satellites could spell disaster

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