SpaceX lowers Starlink orbits: less disruption for astronomers
The number of satellites in orbit is making the work of astronomers more difficult. SpaceX has now explained to the authorities what it is doing about this.
(Image: CG Alex/Shutterstock.com)
SpaceX is testing a new strategy to reduce the brightness of its Starlink satellites so that they do not interfere with astronomers' observations. To this end, the company is lowering their orbit, as Starlink announced in a letter to the US telecommunications authority FCC. The annual report, which is prepared at the end of each year, states that the tests to date have been successful. Interference in astronomical images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile have been reduced by almost 60 percent.
The trial is part of a larger initiative to reduce the impact of the increasing number of satellites on optical astronomy. As a test group, 300 satellites were placed in a lower orbit of 350 km instead of the usual 550 km. This change was made in close cooperation with the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Next Starlink generation bigger
According to a report by Gizmodo, there are currently over 6900 Starlink satellites in orbit. At 1250 kilograms, the next generation is almost five times heavier than its predecessors (260 kg) and correspondingly brighter due to its size.
According to SpaceX, the satellites spend more time in the Earth's shadow due to the lower orbit and therefore reflect less sunlight. In addition, they move faster across the sky, which reduces the interference per pixel in telescope images. Another important success is that the brightness remains below the threshold value for visibility with the naked eye.
Further measures against interference
SpaceX has already taken various measures, including optimizing the alignment of the satellites and their solar panels. The company is working with the International Astronomical Union on this. The company is also interested in reducing conflicts with a view to further expansion plans. The FCC has already granted SpaceX approval for an additional 7,500 next-generation satellites.
The NSF will continue to investigate the effects, SpaceX announced. At the same time, the company is asking the FCC to make other satellite operators more accountable. The commitment of a single company is not enough to really solve the problems for astronomers. However, they complain that radio waves are also a problem and affect radio telescopes.
(mki)