Starlink satellite radiation harms deep space astronomy

A peer-reviewed study suggests that SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation – a network of over 4,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit – is emitting radiation harmful to deep space astronomy. Titled “Unintended electromagnetic radiation from Starlink satellites detected with LOFAR between 110 and 188 MHz,” the study was published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. Astronomers previously knew that Starlink satellite clusters cause light pollution that impacts optical observations, but now a different disruptor of radio astronomy has been recognized as well. Using the “Low Frequency Array” (LOFAR) telescope, which consists of connected antennas spread across Europe, scientists measured a low-frequency radio hum from 47 of the 68 Starlink satellites observed. A co-author of the research at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy says:

This frequency range includes a protected band between 150.05 and 153 MHz specifically allocated to radio astronomy by the International Telecommunications Union.

Another researcher, from the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Germany, adds:

Our simulations show that the larger the constellation, the more important this effect becomes as the radiation from all the satellites adds up. This makes us worried not only about the existing constellations but even more about the planned ones – and also about the absence of clear regulation that protects the radio astronomy bands from unintended radiation.

SpaceX is in contact with the researchers and has already introduced design changes that could eliminate the unintended emission from its next-generation Starlink satellites.