ESO Warns 1.7 Million Satellites Could Devastate Astronomy, Urges 100,000 Cap
Updated
Updated · Japan Today · Jul 11
ESO Warns 1.7 Million Satellites Could Devastate Astronomy, Urges 100,000 Cap
3 articles · Updated · Japan Today · Jul 11
Summary
1.7 million planned satellites would make ground-based astronomy largely unworkable, ESO researchers said, calling the buildup an existential threat and urging regulators to cap orbital fleets at 100,000.
14,000 satellites already orbit Earth, but the study says the jump would sharply brighten the night sky and leave telescope images streaked or obscured by passing spacecraft.
50,000 proposed Reflect Orbital satellites pose a standout risk: their scattered light could make each as bright as Venus and lift overall night-sky brightness by up to four times.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile would see almost all images from its giant camera rendered unusable, while skies from Chile to the Sahara could resemble suburban light pollution.
SpaceX, Reflect Orbital and other operators are awaiting FCC decisions on major constellations, and ESO said its study underpins objections that also cite ecological disruption, launch emissions and debris risks.
As private companies race to launch satellite mega-constellations, who has the authority to protect our shared night sky?
Will a million new satellites soon replace the stars, leaving only artificial constellations for future generations?
Mega-Constellations and the 1.7 Million Satellite Surge: A Looming Catastrophe for the Night Sky
Overview
The report highlights a growing crisis as the FCC recently approved Reflect Orbital’s test of "space mirror" satellites, which could soon launch and expand to 50,000 satellites by 2035. Alongside other companies like E-Space, China’s CTC-1 and 2, and SpaceX’s plan for up to one million satellites, these projects could add 1.7 million satellites to Earth’s orbit. This massive increase threatens to drastically impact ground-based astronomy, as studies warn that the night sky could be permanently altered, making it harder to observe the universe and raising urgent concerns about regulation and the future of space observation.