SpaceX’s Starlink satellites are causing more interference with radio telescopes than ever before, according to researchers in the Netherlands. The second generation of Starlink satellites, known as V2, is emitting radio waves that are 32 times stronger than the first generation. “Every time more of these are launched with these kinds of emission levels, we see less and less of the sky,” said Professor Jessica Dempsey, director of the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON).
The interference is affecting astronomers’ ability to study distant galaxies, black holes, and exoplanets. Lead author Cees Bassa compared the brightness of the V2 satellites to “the faintest stars visible to the naked eye and the brightness of the full Moon.” He added that the problem is getting worse as SpaceX launches about 40 new V2 satellites every week. Robert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical Society in the UK, emphasized the importance of the affected research.
Starlink interference affecting radio astronomy
“It’s wrong to say that there is some science that you can simply dismiss. The applications may be decades or even longer in the future, but they can be very fundamental and very important,” he said.
Astronomers had previously discussed radiation concerns with SpaceX regarding the first generation of satellites, and the company had listened to their concerns. However, ASTRON says the V2 satellites are even more powerful and threatening to ground-based astronomy across all wavelengths. Prof Dempsey stressed the need for more regulation of space and satellite operations to avoid compromising scientific work.
She suggested that simple actions like shielding the satellite batteries could significantly reduce the emitted radiation. The researchers warn that without action, “very soon the only constellations we will see will be human-made.” They urge SpaceX, as the largest satellite provider, to set a standard for limiting pollution and preserving the ability to study the universe from Earth.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
