Starlink satellites: Impact on Astronomy

GS Paper III Science and Technology

Starlink’s satellite network is disrupting radio astronomers by creating unwanted electromagnetic radiation (UEMR), known as “radio noise.”

About Starlink satellites

It is a large constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Developed by: SpaceX, led by Elon Musk.
Purpose: Provide global high-speed internet, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Applications: Rural internet, disaster zones, military applications, and potential support for 5G networks.

It is defined as the international connection that relies on satellites orbiting the earth.
These satellites send and receive signals that connect to the internet service providers (ISPs).
- It routes the signals to users’ internet modems.
It aims to provide internet access globally especially in remote areas.

Starlink’st-Generation Satellites:
- The first-generation Starlink satellites:
  - It was launched as part of the initial phase of SpaceX’s satellite internet constellation.
    - These satellites operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) to provide internet connectivity.

These are a type of electromagnetic radiation with the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies.
They can be naturally produced or artificially generated.
Key Applications:
- Communication: Used for radio broadcasting, mobile phones, and satellite communication.
- Radar: Essential for navigation and weather tracking.
- Networking: Enables wireless internet and other data transmission.

- Second-Generation Satellites:
  - Starlink’s second-generation satellites emit UEMR 32 times brighter than the first generation.
    - It has also worsened the problem despite efforts to reduce radio leaks.

Global Coverage: Brings internet access to remote and underserved areas, reducing the digital gap.
Low Latency: Provides low latency (20-40 ms) because of the satellites’ low Earth orbit which make it good for real-time activities like video calls and online gaming.
Quick Setup: Can be set up faster than traditional ground-based networks which makes it ideal for emergencies and disaster zones.

Limited coverage: starlink satellites are not suitable for crowded cities due to its high demand and its infrastructure.
Radio Pollution: It can interfere with radio signals which can make its study hard for that period.
Visibility: These satellites are highly reflective and visible which can disrupt astronomical observations.

Increasingly bright satellites: Starlink’s new generation of satellites is significantly brighter than the previous one, despite efforts to reduce radio frequency interference (RFI).
Growing number of satellites: The number of satellites in orbit is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years which can exacerbate the problem of RFI.
Lack of regulations: Currently, there are no specific regulations governing satellite emissions.

Space Internet Projects in Low Earth Orbit

One Web: It is a global satellite internet project.
- It uses a large constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit to offer internet services.
- It also aims to provide services in rural and remote areas with limited internet options.
Project Kuiper: It is Amazon’s initiative to provide satellite based internet service globally.
- Similar to one web, it aims to offer services in rural and remote areas with limited internet options.

- There is only voluntary cooperation between satellite operators and astronomers.
Need for regulation: To minimize the impact of satellite emissions on astronomical observations, regulations are necessary to set limits on RFI levels and ensure compliance.

Radio astronomy observes space objects using radio waves, which are longer than visible light.
Radio telescopes detect these radio waves, unlike regular telescopes that detect light.
- Bright light can make it hard to see objects, and the same happens with radio waves when satellites interfere.
The radio waves from satellites overwhelm telescopes which make it hard for scientists to study space properly.

Starlink satellites

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