A growing coalition of environmental and scientific organizations, represented by the nonprofit law firm Earthjustice, has formally petitioned the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require environmental reviews before licensing any space-based data center projects.
The petition targets a recent wave of FCC filings from multiple companies seeking to launch AI data centers into low Earth orbit (LEO). SpaceX alone has requested licenses for up to one million satellites. Several copycat proposals from rival firms add tens of thousands more. Combined, these projects would more than double the current satellite population.
"Allowing a million orbiting data centers with no environmental review isn't just irresponsible — it's reckless," said Tim Whitehouse, executive director of PEER, one of the groups behind the petition.
The coalition warns of multiple environmental harms. The sheer volume of new satellites would dramatically increase collision risks in LEO, potentially triggering Kessler Syndrome. At end of life, satellites burning up in the atmosphere release heavy metals. A million additional spacecraft would deposit unprecedented quantities of material into the upper atmosphere.
Light pollution is another major concern. DarkSky International warned these projects "could permanently alter the night sky as we know it."
"Agencies that authorize companies looking to space as the next frontier still must operate within the law," said Jan Hasselman, senior attorney at Earthjustice. "If we have to sue so that they comply, we will."
The FCC has historically not required environmental impact assessments for satellite licensing. This petition seeks to change that precedent before the data center gold rush reaches orbit.
