Pauline Barmby - Lecture Series '25 - Mega Satellite Constellations

In the spring of 2025, the Rotman Institute of Philosophy launched its annual Think Tank competition, awarding research funding to Dr. Pauline Barmby and her interdisciplinary team – Dr. Sarah Gallagher, Dr. Denis Vida, Dr. Valerie Oosterveld, and Dr. Eric Desjardins – for their project on satellite mega constellations. This presentation shares the team’s findings to date, explores emerging and enduring questions, and invites audience engagement through a live Q&A.

Project details:

For nearly seven decades, humans have launched satellites into orbit for communication, defense, science, and navigation. In recent years, however, the number of satellites has surged – driven largely by mega constellations like Starlink. These vast networks offer transformative benefits, such as expanding internet access to remote regions and enhancing Earth observation capabilities. Yet they also pose serious risks: environmental damage from rocket launches and atmospheric re-entry, disruption of ground-based astronomical research, and the growing threat of space debris that could jeopardize future missions.
This project brings together experts in environmental philosophy, astronomy, space technology, and international law to critically examine the complex trade-offs of satellite constellations. The team aims to illuminate the ethical, scientific, and legal dimensions of this rapidly evolving frontier- and to propose thoughtful policy recommendations for governments and global stakeholders.