Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites are blocking Earth’s view of universe

Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) say that radiation from Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites, especially the second-generation V2 ones, is “blinding” their radio telescopes’ view of the universe.

SpaceX’s V2 Starlink satellites emit 32 times more radiation than their predecessor, even though in January 2023, SpaceX reached an agreement with the National Science Foundation to mitigate the effects of the second-generation satellites.

ASTRON scientists worry it will become an “existential threat” to their type of astronomy, which includes studies about distant galaxies, planets, stars, and black holes.

Scientists are also concerned that light pollution from these satellites may affect optical telescopes.

Starlink provides high-speed internet to over 100 countries, including war-torn Ukraine and Yemen.

SpaceX has launched over 7,000 Starlink satellites into space since 2019, with plans to create a “mega constellation” of up to 42,000 satellites. Approximately 6,402 are currently orbiting Earth, according to astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, who tracks them.

For comparison, Starlink’s rival OneWeb has just 630 satellites in orbit.

Amazon is also entering the business and plans to launch at least 3,000 satellites in the coming years.

By 2030, the number of satellites in orbit is expected to surpass 100,000.