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Astrophysicist Proposes New Space Boundary at 80 km

5/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Harvard-Smithsonian astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell is shaking up the definition of space by proposing a new Kármán Line at 80 km, rather than the traditional 100 km. This bold suggestion could revolutionize space exploration and mission classifications, urging us to rethink our understanding of the boundary between Earth and the cosmos based on fresh satellite data.

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Story summary

Harvard-Smithsonian astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell is shaking up the definition of space by proposing a new Kármán Line at 80 km, rather than the traditional 100 km. This bold suggestion could revolutionize space exploration and mission classifications, urging us to rethink our understanding of the boundary between Earth and the cosmos based on fresh satellite data.