Since the first Starlink satellites as bright points over the night sky flown, there are fears of dire consequences for astronomical observations of satellite constellations. The low-flying satellites allow internet connections This can be just as good as a wired connectionHowever, there must always be satellites in the sky to connect. However, you can also disturb the observation with telescopes at any time.
At the end of August, more than 250 astronomy experts and satellite constellation operators gathered in a workshop to discuss views and solutions. Companies such as SpaceX, Amazon and Oneweb were also represented – although the employees of Amazon and Oneweb would only have been in contact with the workshop, while concrete discussions about practical solutions only took place with SpaceX employees.
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) and the National Science Foundation presented the results at a press conference. This essentially consisted of statements that were read from the prepared report (PDF), supported by a 108-page technical appendix (PDF) was monitored.
Less, lower, darker
The report highlights a number of ways to reduce the impact of satellites on astronomy. The first recommendation is to launch fewer satellites and satellite constellations. The second is the decrease in height. The third and fourth are the darkening of satellites and precise attitude control so that as little sunlight as possible is reflected back to the earth. In addition, more accurate orbital data would have to be available in order to be able to accurately predict the passage of a satellite during astronomical observations.
All about astronomy: observing the wonders of space, stars and planets
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After reading this material, it’s clear: the main concern isn’t SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, but Oneweb’s nearly 48,000 planned satellites. SpaceX currently has approval for approximately 4,400 satellites in approximately 600 km and approximately 8,000 satellites in approximately 350 km, but has already submitted applications for approximately 30,000 additional satellites in those orbits. However, Oneweb plans to operate all 48,000 satellites around 1,200 km above the earth.
In summer, Oneweb’s satellites would be visible all night at an altitude of more than 30 degrees above the horizon and could interfere with astronomical observations. Low-flying satellites are brighter and easier to see with the naked eye, but they are also more likely to end up in the shadows of the earth and cannot be seen from such a great distance. However, astronomers expect only minimal effects at very low altitudes of around 300 km, where the earth’s atmosphere already offers noticeable drag and would lead to high fuel consumption by the satellites.
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