SpaceX’s Starlink satellites are causing heavy, unintended, radio frequency interference, contaminating up to 30% of astronomical images captured by telescopes in Western Australia, according to Curtin University researchers.
Over 112,000 unwanted signals from 1,806 satellites were identified, including emissions in protected bands reserved for radio astronomy. SpaceX’s Starlink satellite interference jeopardizes cosmic observations’ future as satellite constellations expand.
Astronomers need clear skies to access galaxies, but interference is leaving holes in their data, and scientists think these emissions are likely caused by onboard electronics.
What’s Causing this Interference?
The interference, likely caused by onboard electronics rather than intentional transmissions, falls outside current regulations that govern only deliberate satellite signals.
Curtin researchers analyzed 76 million images of an SKA prototype station radio telescope. They discovered over 112,000 unwanted signals from 1,806 Starlink satellites with some data sets reaching levels of up to 30% of images contaminated. This level of radio frequency interference is considered to be a considerable issue for future of radio astronomy.
“Some satellites were detected emitting in bands where no signals are supposed to be present at all, such as the 703 satellites we identified at 150.8 MHz, which is meant to be protected for radio astronomy,” lead researcher Dylan Grigg explained.
“Because … they’re not part of an intentional signal, astronomers can’t easily predict them or filter them out,” Grigg said.
These leaking transmissions from satellites only complicate study more to shield.
Starlink Satellites Astronomy Interference Reduction
There are already regulations that manage satellite emissions monitoring, but they only apply to intentional transmission.
“Current rules focus on intentional transmissions and do not cover this type of unintended emission,” Curtin’s Professor Steven Tingay said.
Satellite networks other than Starlink may be the source of satellite signals from space that disrupt research. However, Starlink is emphasized as boasting a big network of satellite constellations astronomy, with more than 7,000 spacecraft in orbit around the Earth.
According to the astronomers, Musk’s SpaceX has engaged positively with them.
“It is worth noting that Starlink is not breaking existing rules, so is not doing anything wrong. Our conversations with SpaceX about the issue have been positive,” Tingay reaffirmed that SpaceX is not doing anything wrong. Scientists, however, are pinning their hopes on this research to call for policy revisions to protect the protected radio spectrum.
Scientists, however, have yet to come to a resolution regarding the Starlink satellites’ emissions.
Scientists are calling for updated international policies to tackle these unintended emissions, and their consequences, to protect key radio spectrum for research as satellite networks grow.
While Satellite streaks in astronomy sparking concerns, many fear radio frequency interference dangers could surge if the world does nothing.
Space debris interference is also raised in the debate, adding still another dimension of complexity to researchers gazing at the skies. Meanwhile, astronomers predict that international cooperation will be the key to reducing radio frequency interference and preserving the night sky for science.
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