An illustration of a proposed SpaceX orbital data center satellite. Credit: SpaceX
TAMPA, Fla. — Environmental and scientific groups are calling for a halt to processing orbital data center applications, arguing the rush to move computing infrastructure into space has raised the stakes in a broader push for more megaconstellation oversight.
The coalition, represented by nonprofit public interest environmental law organization Earthjustice, petitioned the U.S. Federal Communications Commission July 8 to conduct a thorough environmental review before moving forward with licenses.
Specifically, the petition calls for a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) of orbital data centers under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a 1969 law mandating federal agencies assess the environmental impacts of their actions.
“If ever a situation warranted a PEIS, it is this one,” the petition states.
