Roohi Dalal

American Astronomical Society

Zoom link: https://mit.zoom.us/j/98247740330

Abstract:

As humanity’s use of outer space rapidly grows, there is potential for both transformational benefits and significant environmental harm. In this talk, I will trace the lifecycle of a satellite megaconstellation, discussing the environmental impacts at each stage. This includes launch emissions, impacts while in orbit, such as light pollution, radio frequency interference, and challenges to space traffic management, and finally, the uncontrolled reentry of space objects and related casualty risks, as well as atmospheric chemistry changes from the burning up of spacecraft. These environmental impacts are made more acute by the model of megaconstellation development and operations, which employs large numbers of short-lived satellites, requiring a much more rapid pace of launch and reentry. I will highlight regulatory gaps that need to be addressed in order to better account for these potential environmental impacts. Finally, I will discuss so-called “novel space activities” such as space-based solar power and data centers in space, and how we might take a more holistic perspective on the Earth-space environmental system.

Bio:

Roohi Dalal is the Deputy Director of Public Policy at the American Astronomical Society and a Research Collaborator in the Science and Global Security Program at Princeton University. Her research takes an interdisciplinary approach to space policy, leveraging her background as an astrophysicist, alongside law, policy and social science to advance safety, security and sustainability in outer space. Roohi was previously a Postdoctoral Fellow in Space Security and Sustainability at the Outer Space Institute. She received her PhD in Astrophysical Sciences, alongside a Certificate in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy from Princeton in 2024.