The above is a diagram from Walter Morgan at COMSAT circa 1984 for synchronous satellites, 23,000 miles. Clutter was beginning.
In a recent New Scientist piece they state the problems the massive satellite expansion will result in. They note:
We are entering the age of satellite constellations, and astronomers are worried. On 23 May, SpaceX launched 60 communications satellites, the first in a planned fleet of 12,000.
Having been in the satellite business from the early 1970s it is clear that this could be a massive problem. The density of low altitude satellites has a multiplicity of issues. First, the do fall down, and then there are consequences. With 12,000 one wonders what the fall down rate is, most likely one a day! Then where do they fall? After a while real problems arise. Second they become massive RF clutter for the DoD in tracking enemy missiles. Really, it becomes a massive chaff field. Third, the communications link may not really be that great. Why not terrestrial wireless. Fourth, at what cost?
Have we not seen this before. Think Iridium..
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