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Space and bureaucrats

First-up today, another potential risk for SpaceX's Starlink service -- the only profitable part of the SpaceX empire right now.

There appears to be growing evidence that the re-entry and burn-up of satellites as they fall from low-earth orbit is posing a very real threat to the integrity of the ozone layer that protects our planet from dangerous UV radiation.

Several decades ago, CFCs were universally banned when it was discovered that they were damaging the ozone layer and since then we've seen the huge holes that appear near the poles gradually repair themselves.

Clearly, maintaining the integrity of the ozone layer was deemed to be far more important that cheap refridgeration and the pressurization of spray cans.

However, what will the concensus be in respect to SpaceX's rapidly growing contribution to ozone-layer break-down?

The problem is that every day, four or five satellites from the Starlink constellation plunge through the atmosphere and in doing so, they release metalic vapour and aluminium oxides that chip away at the ozone layer.

Given that this problem will only get worse as Starlink continues to grow the number of satellites it has in orbit, to a projected total of 30,000, is there a very real risk that environmental concerns could derail the company's plans?

Just like the risks I mentioned in a recent column, this environmental concern adds further concerns to the value of the SpaceX IPO. If it's decided that the risk is too great, SpaceX's grand orbiting internet service may eventually disappear, as its birds fall to earth and are not replaced.

On another subject, I see today that NASA is claiming it will have a city on the moon within six years.

I'm sorry, I really can't believe this is even remotely possible. Who are they trying to kid.

Watch for yet another "IToldYaSo" column in 2032.

And finally, I posted a video yesterday documenting the antics of my local council and in which I have highlighted their blatant breaches of the law and attempts to mis-use at least one section of the Privacy Act. Watch and enjoy -- the best is yet to come:

Read the comments, there appears (once again) to be significant support from around the country on this one.

Carpe Diem folks!

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