France will host the 2026 International Space Summit in Paris on 9 and 10 September. One of the most pressing and under-discussed issues on the agenda is the growing threat to the night sky caused by the increasing number of satellites in orbit. If no action is taken, the night sky could soon be dominated by artificial lights from satellites, making it difficult to see stars, much like a video game screen with constantly moving lights. The number of active satellites in orbit has grown dramatically. In 2019, there were around 2,200, but today that number exceeds 18,000, according to Orbital Radar. This includes constellations like Starlink, which are designed to provide global internet coverage. Although these satellites are not built to reflect light back to Earth, their solar panels can reflect sunlight, contributing to light pollution. If current plans are realized, the number of satellites could reach between 30,000 and 60,000 by 2030. New projects, such as space data centers, could further increase the number of satellites in orbit. For example, Orbital Compute plans to launch up to 100,000 additional satellites, each equipped with solar panels that reflect sunlight. These could appear as bright as the brightest stars and be visible from anywhere on Earth. Additionally, projects like Reflect Orbital aim to use giant mirrors in orbit to illuminate Earth at night, which could be as bright as the full moon or even brighter than Venus. These developments could significantly increase light pollution and disrupt the natural darkness of the night sky. Beyond the visual impact, the proliferation of satellites also poses risks to biodiversity and scientific research. Nocturnal animals like bats, migratory birds, and insects rely on darkness for navigation and survival. Light pollution can disrupt their natural behaviors, affecting ecosystems. For astronomy, the increasing number of satellites and space debris could make it difficult to observe the universe. A recent study estimates that by 2035, up to 20% of the natural brightness of the sky could be due to light reflected from satellites and debris. This would severely impact the ability of telescopes like Hubble and SPHEREx to capture clear images of the cosmos. The growing number of satellites also increases the risk of collisions in low Earth orbit, a phenomenon known as the Kessler syndrome. If a collision occurs, it can generate thousands of debris fragments, which could render certain orbits unusable for decades. The risk is rising, as over 28,000 objects larger than 10 centimeters are already cataloged in orbit. Additionally, the cultural significance of the night sky is at stake. Already, a third of Hubble’s images are affected by satellite trails, and by 2030, most major space telescopes may struggle to function effectively. To address these challenges, the G7 science academies have called for an international regulatory body to manage satellite orbits, protect astronomy, and prevent collisions. The 2026 International Space Summit in Paris is expected to be a critical moment for creating a binding framework to limit the number of satellites and their environmental impact. Meanwhile, citizens can help by raising awareness about the importance of dark skies and participating in initiatives like Globe at Night to monitor light pollution. Ultimately, the summit must serve as a turning point in the global effort to preserve the night sky as a shared human heritage.