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Groups Petition FCC to Pause Licenses Over Satellite Pollution

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, Earthjustice and DarkSky International have petitioned the FCC to pause data-center licenses.
Petition says filings from SpaceX and Cowboy Space lack mitigation for a satellite fleet.
It warns that SpaceX, Blue Origin and Cowboy Space satellites could release soot, metals and oxides into the stratosphere.
NOAA chief Steve Volz noted a 2023 flight detected metals in stratospheric sulfuric-acid aerosols, raising effects on ozone and climate.

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Story summary

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, Earthjustice and DarkSky International have petitioned the FCC to pause data-center licenses.
Petition says filings from SpaceX and Cowboy Space lack mitigation for a satellite fleet.
It warns that SpaceX, Blue Origin and Cowboy Space satellites could release soot, metals and oxides into the stratosphere.
NOAA chief Steve Volz noted a 2023 flight detected metals in stratospheric sulfuric-acid aerosols, raising effects on ozone and climate.