Research led by the University of Edinburgh is linked to a US legal case that aims to set a precedent in the growing campaign for space environmentalism.

An influx of space debris in orbital space – around 100km above the earth’s surface – caused by the rapid growth of so-called satellite mega-constellations is endangering this precious ecosystem, researchers say.

The installation of these huge clusters of hardware, some with up to tens of thousands of satellites delivering broadband to Earth, are congesting space and rocket launches are also polluting the atmosphere.

Pieces of broken satellites, which travel at enormous speeds through orbital space threaten working satellites in their path, the paper says.

Furthermore, streaks from satellite flares, which cause light pollution, are increasingly disrupting research. The giant Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, which aims to carry out a 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time, will be badly affected, for example.

The paper, published in Nature Astronomy, argues that space is an important environment for all professional astronomers, amateur stargazers and indigenous peoples and the scientific, economic and cultural benefits of space should be carefully considered against these damaging environmental impacts.

The researchers urge policy-makers to consider the environmental impacts of all aspects of satellite constellations – including their launch, operation and de-orbit – and to work collaboratively to create a shared, ethical, sustainable approach to space.

Professor Andy Lawrence, lead author and regius professor of astronomy, University of Edinburgh Institute for Astronomy, said: “We are standing on a watershed in history. We can cheaply launch huge numbers of satellites and use them to the benefit of life on Earth – but this comes at a cost. As well as damaging stargazing, the space industry may be shooting itself in the foot.”

Professor Lawrence brought these issues to popular attention in his book, Losing The Sky. The publication led to him writing an expert witness statement for a legal case currently before the US Court of Appeal which argued that US environmental regulations should apply to space launch licensing.