Musk's SpaceX Satellites Disrupt Earth-Based Astronomy

SpaceX Satellites Disrupt Astronomy

“Since SpaceX is launching about 40 second-generation Starlink satellites every week, this problem is becoming increasingly worse...”

Elon Musk's SpaceX satellites disrupt Earth-based astronomy, interfering with telescopes. Astronomers raise concerns over impact on research.

Concerns are mounting among astronomers that SpaceX's Starlink satellites are disrupting radio telescope signals, threatening crucial cosmic research. Footage from the Low Frequency Array (Lofar) radio telescope shows Starlink satellites as bright, moving spots obstructing observation areas.

A study by the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (Astron) reveals alarming findings. Second-generation V2-mini Starlink satellites emit unintentional radio waves up to 32 times stronger than earlier models, exacerbating interference.

The rapid launch of Starlink satellites, with approximately 40 deployed weekly, raises concerns about the long-term feasibility of Earth-based radio astronomy without effective mitigation measures.

According to Professor Jessica Dempsey, General and Scientific Director of Astron, “Whenever electric current flows through an object, unintended electromagnetic radiation is inevitable.” This fundamental principle underscores the inherent interference risk posed by Starlink satellites.

Researchers conducted two one-hour observations on July 19, detecting Unintended Electromagnetic Radiation (UEMR) from nearly all observed Starlink satellites, including both first- and second-generation models, across radio frequencies above and below the FM broadcast band.

A recent study revealed widespread Unintended Electromagnetic Radiation (UEMR) from Starlink satellites. Observations on July 19 found UEMR emissions from both legacy and newer models.

On July 19, a study detected unexpected electromagnetic radiation from almost all observed Starlink satellites, spanning two generations, during two hour-long radio frequency scans.

“So we weren't particularly surprised when the first Starlink satellites started. showing up in the telescope.

“But frankly we were gobsmacked by how much brighter this generation of satellites is compared to the last one.

“We know it's unintended, but they are 10 million times brighter than what we are trying to look for, and we have to talk about it now because it's becoming an existential threat.

“We have had discussions and they have said they are working towards their next satellites being quiet, but we will believe it when we don't see it.”

The Lofar (Low Frequency Array) telescope, the world's largest radio telescope, spans across Europe. Its main location is in the Netherlands, with additional antennas in the UK, Germany, France, Sweden, and Ireland.

Lofar requires an interference-free sky to detect faint, low-frequency signals. These signals hold secrets of the universe, such as black hole jets and exoplanetary activity, offering unprecedented insights into cosmic mysteries.

Astronomers face challenges from satellite reflections causing bright streaks in optical telescope images.

In 2021, a presumed gamma-ray burst from the oldest known galaxy was later attributed to sunlight reflecting off Russian Proton rocket debris.

Starlink satellites, orbiting 342 miles (550 km) above Earth, are visible to the naked eye, often appearing as a series of bright lights moving across the night sky.

The Starlink constellation currently comprises 6,350 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), with plans to expand to 42,000 satellites in the near future.

By decade's end, the global satellite count may surpass 100,000, with approximately 400,000 approved for launch worldwide.

Despite Earth-based regulations limiting electromagnetic radiation for health and technological reasons, satellite launches lack stringent oversight.

Astronomers seek collaboration with satellite companies to mitigate brightness and interference, but regulatory gaps exist.

Dr. Robert Massey, RAS Deputy Executive Director: “What's the value of investing in scientific research if satellite interference renders our facilities useless?”

SpaceX must heed astronomical research and collaborate to mitigate satellite interference, mirroring Earth's terrestrial standards.

“It makes no sense for governments to spend tens or hundreds of millions on discovery science that inspires people only for companies to design satellites in this way.

“We need to pause for breath before we continue throwing these things into space.”

On July 19, researchers conducted dual one-hour observation sessions, scanning radio frequencies above and below the FM broadcast band.

These sessions revealed widespread Unintended Electromagnetic Radiation (UEMR) emissions from nearly all observed Starlink satellites, including both first- and second-generation models.

Dr. Cees Bassa, Astron astronomer and study lead: “Starlink satellites' unintended radiation dwarfs faint astrophysical signals, outshining them by 10 million times.”

“This difference is similar to the faintest stars visible to the naked eye and the brightness of the full Moon.

“Since SpaceX is launching about 40 second-generation Starlink satellites every week, this problem is becoming increasingly worse.”

The Lofar team is assessing the impact of Starlink satellite noise on ongoing scientific projects, identifying potential disruptions.

Meanwhile, concerns about satellite interference are shared by radio observatories worldwide, including astronomers at the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), currently under construction in Australia and South Africa.

Federico Di Vruno, SKAO Spectrum Manager: “humanity is clearly approaching an inflexion point where we need to take action to preserve our sky as a window to explore the universe from Earth.

“Satellite companies are not interested in producing this unintended radiation, so minimising it should also be a priority in their sustainable space policies.

“Starlink is not the only big player in low Earth orbit, but they have a chance to set the standard here.”