SpaceX’s 11,000 Starlinks Disrupt Astronomy as 40,000-Satellite Expansion Looms
Updated
Updated · Space.com · Jun 12
SpaceX’s 11,000 Starlinks Disrupt Astronomy as 40,000-Satellite Expansion Looms
2 articles · Updated · Space.com · Jun 12
Summary
About 11,000 Starlink satellites already crowd low Earth orbit, with the latest assessment warning they are turning from a novelty into a persistent obstacle for astronomy.
Starlink streaks contaminate long-exposure images, while radio emissions interfere with spectroscopic work and wide-field surveys, including observations tied to the Rubin Observatory.
SpaceX says roughly 12 million people use Starlink internet, but the report argues the scientific cost will rise as the constellation heads toward about 40,000 satellites.
Amazon and other rivals are preparing their own mega-constellations, pointing to a broader hyper-expansion that could further brighten skies and intensify radio interference.