The World, the Universe and Us Why Elon Musk plans to put 1 million satellites in orbit; Should we be giving sleep drugs to kids?; Why global pesticide risk is not improving
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Feb 6, 2026 Jonathan O’Callaghan, space reporter covering SpaceX and Starlink, outlines Musk’s million-satellite and orbital data centre ambitions. Alice Klein, science reporter, examines rising melatonin use in children and regulatory concerns. Michael Le Page, science journalist on agriculture, reveals a new ‘total applied toxicity’ measure showing pesticide risk rising. They dig into feasibility, safety and measurement challenges in short, sharp conversations.
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Kardashev Claims Are Rhetoric, Not Roadmap
- Harnessing the Sun to become a Kardashev Type II civilisation is sci‑fi rhetoric rather than a practical near-term plan.
- O'Callaghan explains space is cold but radiators are required to dump heat because vacuum prevents convective cooling.
A Million Satellites Is A Strategic Claim
- Announcing a million satellites can be a strategic 'land grab' to reserve orbital slots and bandwidth.
- O'Callaghan suggests the figure boosts perceived value and bargaining power for SpaceX ahead of possible financial moves.
Mega Constellations Threaten Astronomy
- Large constellations already disrupt astronomy and a million satellites would contaminate nearly every astronomical image.
- O'Callaghan warns satellite streaks could mask discoveries from ground and space telescopes.
