Report: NASA Objects to AST Megaconstellation
By Eric Berger | November 4, 2020
3D render of planet Earth viewed from space. Photo: NASA
NASA has formally commented (PDF) on a request by a U.S. company to build a mega-constellation of satellites at an altitude of 720 km above the Earth’s surface, citing concerns about collisions. This appears to be the first time that NASA has publicly commented on such an application for market access, which is pending before the Federal Communications Commission.
“NASA submits this letter during the public comment period for the purpose of providing a better understanding of NASA’s concerns with respect to its assets on-orbit, to further mitigate the risks of collisions for the mutual benefit of all involved,” wrote Samantha Fonder, an engineer for the space agency.