Starlink satellites, deployed in their thousands by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX into low Earth orbit, have become an unexpected source of problems for astronomers. It has been confirmed that these devices emit strong radio signals that interfere with the operation of highly sensitive astronomical telescopes, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Newscientist.
A research team led by Curtin University professor of radio astronomy Steven Tingay analyzed signals from around 2,000 Starlink satellites. The scientists found that the satellites emit radio waves that can overwhelm the extremely faint signals coming from deep space — including those from the epoch of the first stars. According to Professor Tingay, the satellites unintentionally transmit radio signals via their antennas.
The scientist noted that the power of these emissions is comparable to the brightest natural radio sources in the sky. “It’s like taking the strongest natural sources in the sky, adding thousands of artificial ones, and having them move around constantly — it seriously impacts experiments, especially those involving ultra-sensitive instruments,” Tingay told New Scientist.
According to the publication, SpaceX equipment emits in frequency bands that are protected by the International Telecommunication Union for radio astronomy purposes. However, it remains unclear whether this constitutes a legal violation, as the interference appears to be unintentional.
The researchers estimate that roughly one-third of the astronomical data collected on certain frequencies is at risk. The issue is further compounded by the fact that SpaceX has already launched more than 7,600 satellites and plans to expand the constellation to tens of thousands in the coming years.
Earlier we wrote that Musk and Cook enter battle for satellite communication on smartphones.