SpaceX’s Starlink Satellites Take a ‘Low Road’ to Clear Up the Night Sky

15th Jan 2025
SpaceX’s Starlink Satellites Take a ‘Low Road’ to Clear Up the Night Sky

Astronomers are increasingly experiencing interference from Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites when they appear in telescopic observations. However, to prevent the photobombing, SpaceX has tested an unconventional solution: bringing them closer to Earth.

The move has seemingly proved effective after SpaceX lowered the orbit of some 300 Starlink satellites to test the theory. Could this be the solution to preventing satellites in Earth’s overly cluttered orbit from intruding on astronomy?

SpaceX’s Efforts to Mitigate Starlink’s Effect on Astronomy

In early 2023, the National Space Foundation (NSF) and SpaceX inked a deal to jointly participate in a study to attenuate the impacts of satellites on ground-based astronomy. It wasn’t until recently, however, that SpaceX and NSF outlined the outcome of their lowering strategy. 

In a letter penned to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Vice President of Satellite Policy, David Goldman, detailed SpaceX’s plan to resolve the astronomy issue.

“Driven by SpaceX’s commitment to keep space safe and sustainable, improve user service, and mitigate impact on optical astronomy, SpaceX has begun operating more than 300 satellites below inhabited space stations,” Goldman stated. 

To achieve their objective, both organisations analysed whether decreasing the orbit of Starlink satellites would prove effective. To test their theory, SpaceX decreased the altitude of 300 generation-2 Starlink satellites to 350 km. In contrast, their original altitude was 550 km. According to Goldman, success was yielded, resulting in a “60% reduction in Vera Rubin Observatory images containing an illuminated satellite”. 

Why SpaceX decided to lower Starlink satellites in orbit

As a result of the sun-illumination reflected from Starlink satellites, more imagery captured during observations were obstructed. Therefore, the emanated sunlight bouncing off the satellites has become a significant issue for astronomers. These issues may continue to arise due to the sheer number of satellites in Earth’s busy orbital highway. As a result, there is an increased risk of satellites intruding on astronomical observations. 

Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics astronomer, Jonathan McDowell, predicts there are more than 10,800 orbital satellites in operation. Of those 10,800 satellites, 6,850 are attributed to Starlink. Already operating in Low Earth Orbit, the Starlink constellation has become a nuisance for astronomers. As such, SpaceX joined forces with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to implement their satellite altitude decreasing solution.

SpaceX plans to move forward

SpaceX has committed to continuing their efforts to reduce astronomy interference. Goldman said: “SpaceX has invested significant time and resources… to identify the main sources of satellite reflectivity and to develop strategies and technologies that can reduce the potential for NGSO satellites to affect optical astronomy.” Further, SpaceX have said they’ll collaborate with the astronomy community due to “greatly benefit[ing] from its discussions to date and expects that they will continue to bear fruit.” 

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