The case for space environmentalism

The shell bound by the Karman line at a height of 80 to 100km above Earth's surface, and Geosynchronous Orbit, 36,000km, is defined as orbital space surrounding Earth. It within this region, especially in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where environmental issues are becoming urgent because rapid growth anthropogenic object population, including satellite "mega-constellations". In Perspective, we summarise case that around should be considered an additional ecosystem, so subject same care concerns broad regulations as, for example, oceans atmosphere. We rely on environment looking through it well working it. Hence, consider damage professional astronomy, public stargazing cultural importance sky, sustainability commercial, civic military activity space. Damage has problematic features common with other types issue. First, observed predicted incremental complex, many contributors. Second, whether or not formally legally seen global commons, growing commercial exploitation what may appear "free" resource fact externalising true costs.