SpaceX’s ambitious Starlink project, aiming to provide internet access globally, is facing growing criticism from the scientific community. A recent study published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics has revealed that the latest generation of Starlink satellites, known as Gen 2, are emitting even more disruptive electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) into space than their predecessors. This leakage of radio waves, while unintentional, poses a serious threat to radio astronomers’ ability to study distant objects like stars, exoplanets, black holes, and pulsars.
The study, conducted using the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope, found that the newer ‘V2 mini’ satellites, the most common type of Gen 2, can emit up to 32 times more UEMR than the older Gen 1 models. The intensity of this radiation is up to 10 million times brighter than the faintest radio-visible objects in the night sky, making it incredibly difficult for telescopes to detect and study these celestial bodies.
This problem is exacerbated by the rapid increase in the number of Starlink satellites being launched. SpaceX has already launched over 1,300 satellites in 2024 alone, all of which are V2 minis. With other satellite megaconstellations like China’s Thousand Sails Constellation and Amazon’s Project Kuiper also coming online, the amount of UEMR in orbit is expected to skyrocket. Some researchers estimate that there could be up to 100,000 satellites in orbit by the end of the decade.
The study’s authors warn that we are approaching an ‘inflection point’ where the amount of UEMR from satellites will completely obscure our view of the cosmos. They emphasize the need for action to preserve the night sky as a window to explore the universe from Earth.
This is not the only issue caused by the growing number of Starlink satellites. They have also been known to photobomb time-lapse images with streaks of light, be knocked out of orbit by solar storms, and contribute to a significant increase in close encounters between orbiting spacecraft. As these satellites reach the end of their lifespan and fall back to Earth, they also leave metal pollution in the atmosphere, potentially impacting Earth’s magnetic field.
The Falcon 9 rockets that launch the Starlink satellites have also been under scrutiny. These reusable rockets have been grounded twice this year due to explosive failures and have been known to create ‘ionospheric holes’ when they leave or re-enter the upper atmosphere. Their launches can also create giant swirls of light in the night sky, known as ‘SpaceX spirals,’ which pose no threat to our planet, but are another indicator of the impact these satellites have on our environment.
The future of astronomy and our ability to explore the universe may depend on addressing the concerns raised by the scientific community about the growing number of satellites in orbit. While the goal of providing global internet access is commendable, finding a balance between technological advancement and preserving the environment and scientific research is essential for the future of both humanity and our understanding of the cosmos.
