Researchers in the Netherlands have found that radio waves from Elon Musk’s expanding network of Starlink satellites are obstructing scientists’ ability to explore the universe. The latest generation of satellites is causing more interference with radio telescopes than previous versions.
According to the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON), the thousands of satellites in orbit are “blinding” radio telescopes, potentially hindering astronomical research. SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has not responded to a request for comment from BBC News.
While Starlink provides high-speed internet globally, including in remote areas like Ukraine and Yemen, astronomers argue this comes at a significant cost. Professor Jessica Dempsey of ASTRON stated, “Every time more of these are launched with these kinds of emission levels, we see less and less of the sky.” She emphasized that the interference affects critical observations of cosmic phenomena, such as black hole jets and early galaxies.
ASTRON’s findings indicate that interference from the second-generation (V2) satellites is 32 times stronger than that from the first generation, exceeding the radiation limits set by the International Telecommunications Union. Currently, there are approximately 6,402 Starlink satellites in orbit, making it the largest satellite provider by far. In comparison, its main competitor, OneWeb, has fewer than 1,000 satellites.
The study utilized the LOFAR radio telescope to assess the situation on a single day in July. It revealed that the unintended electromagnetic radiation from the V2 satellites was around 10 million times brighter than the faintest sources of light detected, likening it to comparing the faintest visible stars to the brightness of the full Moon. Lead author Cees Bassa noted that SpaceX is launching about 40 new V2 satellites weekly, exacerbating the issue.
Robert Massey, Deputy Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical Society in the UK, stressed the urgency of addressing this interference, stating that it compromises the effectiveness of major radio observatories. Scientists also express concerns about light pollution from satellites affecting optical telescopes.
While discussions with SpaceX about the first-generation satellites showed some responsiveness, the new V2 satellites present even greater challenges. Professor Dempsey remarked on the alarming signals detected from these satellites, warning that without mitigation, they pose an existential threat to ground-based astronomy.
The researchers advocate for increased regulation of satellite operations to protect scientific research, suggesting that SpaceX, as the largest satellite operator, could lead the way in reducing radiation pollution. Simple measures, such as shielding satellite batteries, could significantly decrease emissions. The findings are published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.
