Elon Musk’s SpaceX has launched thousands of Starlink satellites into orbit since 2019, providing fast internet globally, especially to remote regions. However, these satellites have become a growing concern for astronomers, particularly those studying distant stars and galaxies. The Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) and other research institutions have found that the second-generation Starlink satellites emit significantly more radiation than their predecessors, creating interference with radio telescopes used to observe the universe.
Increased Interference with Research: Starlink satellites emit radio waves that interfere with the sensitive equipment astronomers use to detect faint signals from space. ASTRON’s research revealed that these second-generation satellites radiate 32 times more energy than the original ones, making it difficult for scientists to study black holes, exoplanets, and galaxies. The satellites’ emissions are said to be “blinding” the ability to observe radio signals, with radiation up to 10 million times brighter than the faintest light sources detected by telescopes.
Widespread Impact: SpaceX’s growing “mega constellation” of over 7,000 satellites dominates the low-Earth orbit, with thousands more planned. Although the satellites provide internet access, especially to underserved areas, researchers warn that these emissions could jeopardize astronomical studies. Experts, including Professor Jessica Dempsey from ASTRON, argue that these satellites represent an “existential threat” to space research, as they disrupt the view of distant celestial objects.
Mitigation Efforts Needed: Despite criticism from the scientific community, SpaceX has attempted to reduce the impact of its satellites. Initial efforts included coating satellites in non-reflective materials and adding sun visors to reduce brightness. However, these measures were eventually abandoned. Scientists continue to call for more substantial efforts, like shielding satellite components, to reduce interference.
ASTRON emphasizes that with the rapid deployment of Starlink satellites—up to 40 new ones per week—the problem will only grow. The issue is not unique to SpaceX, as other companies, like Amazon, are also planning to launch their own satellite networks.
A Global Problem: This growing challenge affects ground-based astronomy worldwide. The light and radio interference from Starlink’s satellites has already made it difficult to study some of the earliest galaxies and other phenomena millions of light years away. If left unchecked, scientists warn that future generations might only be able to see human-made satellites instead of natural constellations.
Researchers and regulatory bodies like the International Telecommunications Union are working to establish new standards for satellite emissions. The goal is to strike a balance between expanding global internet access and preserving humanity’s ability to explore the cosmos. The scientific community hopes that SpaceX and other satellite providers will prioritize the reduction of unintended radiation, helping protect our ability to study the universe from Earth.
