I know the sky is big, but how much crap can we put up there before they all start “pinballing” around.
Compared to the thin spread we humans and our material possessions have over the landmasses of the earth, the skies can swallow up whatever tiny slivers and motes of metal we might throw up there.
From the press kit for tonight’s launch:
” With a flat-panel design featuring multiple high-throughput antennas and a single solar array, each Starlink satellite weighs approximately 227kg, allowing SpaceX to maximize mass production and take full advantage of Falcon 9’s launch capabilities. To adjust position on orbit, maintain intended altitude, and deorbit, Starlink satellites feature Hall thrusters powered by krypton. Designed and built upon the heritage of Dragon, each spacecraft is equipped with a Startracker navigation system that allows SpaceX to point the satellites with precision. Importantly, Starlink satellites are capable of tracking on-orbit debris and autonomously avoiding collision. “