Guess How Many Satellites Are Above Michigan Right Now
I Always Feel Like, Somebody's Watching Me...
I would love to give you a number that would make you feel good. But realistically, we can't even begin to talk about the satellites just above the state of Michigan. That's too small of a scope.
You have to think bigger picture...so we can add more paranoia.
When you look up from your backyard, patio, Quality Dairy parking lot with donut in hand, you have to realize there are satellites looking back down at you.
Not a couple. Not a few hundred.
Nah. We're talking THOUSANDS.
I Was Told There Would Be No Math
It's crowded up there man. Lots and lots of satellites. And would you believe half of them aren't even turned on or operational?
According to Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), which keeps a record of the operational satellites, there are 6,542 satellites, out of which 3,372 satellites are active and 3,170 satellites are inactive, as recorded by 1st January, 2021. (Geospatial World)
Did you catch that?!? Over 6500. But wait. That was then. The latest data comes from April of this year.
However, according to the Index of Objects Launched into Outer Space, maintained by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, there were 7,389 individual satellites in Space at the end of April, 2021. (Geospatial World)
WHO IS PUTTING THIS MANY SATELLITES UP THERE?!?
Are you serious?
Actually...yes.
In total, SpaceX has now launched 1,443 satellites for its Starlink constellation.
SpaceX recently signed a new agreement with NASA that outlines how the two organizations will avoid close approach or collision events between their respective spacecraft. (Techcrunch)
Thanks to Elon and friends 300 Starlink satellites launched since March 4, with 60 on each of five flights between then and now.
Paranoid Yet?
I find it hilarious that folks thought the vaccine would put a tracking chip in you. Without any real thought of people walking around with a cell phone in their pocket that can pretty much do the same thing.
We've got listening devices in the form of our phones and smart speakers and devices.
And if that wasn't enough...take a look at this.
That's the Earth and those are the satellites and debris surrounding it.
All those satellites looking down at you. Watching, listening, and collecting data.
You're welcome. Sleep tight.