Earthjustice Urges FCC to Halt 1.26 Million Orbital Data Center Licenses Pending NEPA Review
Updated
Updated · SpaceNews · Jul 9
Earthjustice Urges FCC to Halt 1.26 Million Orbital Data Center Licenses Pending NEPA Review
3 articles · Updated · SpaceNews · Jul 9
Summary
July 8’s petition asks the FCC to stop processing orbital data center applications until it completes a programmatic environmental impact statement covering the entire emerging sector.
Earthjustice and allied groups say virtually countless new data-center satellites could damage the ozone layer, alter stratospheric chemistry and worsen light pollution, making a broad review necessary before any licenses advance.
The filing raises pressure because proposed systems dwarf earlier megaconstellation fights: SpaceX alone seeks up to 1 million orbital data centers, while Orbital, Starcloud, Blue Origin and Cowboy Space want nearly 260,000 more.
Jan Hasselman said the FCC has no set timetable to act but must respond reasonably, warning that approvals without full legal compliance could send the dispute to court.
The petition lands as the FCC pushes to speed satellite licensing and prepares a July vote on streamlining rules, even as a new processing round has already drawn 13 constellations totaling nearly 140,000 satellites.
Is the race for space-based internet creating an environmental catastrophe we cannot reverse?
Who holds private space giants accountable when their orbital ambitions threaten the global commons?
Are we trading the natural night sky for a permanent web of artificial lights?
One Million Satellites in Orbit: Unprecedented Environmental and Regulatory Challenges for Data Centers in Space
Overview
In July 2026, a coalition of environmental and scientific organizations, led by Earthjustice, formally petitioned the FCC to halt licensing for orbital data centers until a full environmental review is completed. This marks the first time such a collective call has been made for a comprehensive assessment of these projects. The coalition is deeply concerned that large-scale, low-orbit satellite data centers could permanently alter the night sky and cause unnecessary harm to the environment. They emphasize the FCC’s responsibility to prevent undue environmental damage and urge the agency to thoroughly evaluate the impacts before granting any licenses.