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Sustainability Impacts of Satellite Internet : Digital Inclusion vs Environmental Sustainability

An estimated 450 million people globally do not have access to a fixed or mobile broadband signal. Recently satellite communication companies announced the concept of Megaconstellations which are large networks of inexpensive low Earth-orbiting satellites. These constellations aim to provide internet access across the planet. Many people believe these constellations will offer an opportunity to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries. However, according to the UN development agenda, it is crucial to harmonize three core elements: economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection, while achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although many are enthusiastic about the possibility of closing the digital gap, some researchers have concerns about the environmental impacts of these mega-constellations. Some studies explored howsatellites’ mega-constellations would increase the collision rate among space objects. This by increased amount of space debris which would negatively impact the Low Earth Orbit and the planet and thereby would be inconsistent with environmental sustainability. This study aims to investigate this claim by examining the impacts of future capabilities of satellites on offering inclusive healthcare and education systems while investigating their environmental impacts.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:uu-477899
Date January 2022
CreatorsAbdallah, Lana
PublisherUppsala universitet, Informationssystem
Source SetsDiVA Archive at Upsalla University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeStudent thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text
Formatapplication/pdf
Rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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