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The latest generation ofSpaceX’sStarlinksatellites are leaking even more potentially disruptive radiation into low - dry land sphere than their predecessor , a new study show . researcher discourage that the continuing unchecked deployment of the space vehicle could head to an irreversible " inflection spot , " beyond which we can no longer right study the universe ’s most exciting object .
In July 2023 , research worker key that SpaceX ’s Generation 1Starlinksatellites , first launched in 2019 , areleaking unintended electromagnetic radiation ( UEMR ) into place . This actinotherapy , which principally lie ofradio waves , is unknowingly commit off by the satellites in multiple direction as they transmit radiocommunication signal to Earth . Unfortunately , these receiving set wave frequence are very similar to those emitted by distant objects from across the cosmos , such as stars , exoplanets , black holesand pulsars , imply that escape from the satellites can obscure radio stargazer ' version .
Scientists used the LOFAR telescope (seen on the ground in this illustration) to measure the radiation leaking from SpaceX’s newest satellites as they passed overhead.
Over the last year and a half , SpaceX has been phasing out these orbiter in favor of new Generation 2 models , which were first set up in February 2023 . These spacecraft are smaller , more knock-down , maneuverable and racy than their predecessors , according to Live Science ’s sister siteSpace.com . However , until now , it was unclear if they also leak out UEMR .
In the new written report , published Sept. 18 in the journalAstronomy and Astrophysics , researchers used the Low - Frequency Array ( LOFAR ) telescope — a elephantine electronic internet of tuner dishes propagate across eight European res publica — to track Gen 2 satellites . The astronomers launch that the novel ballistic capsule are even tattling than their Gen1 counterparts . The bad offenders are the " V2 miniskirt " planet , the current most common type of Gen 2 planet , which can emit up to 32 clip more UEMR than Gen 1 predecessors .
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The first batch of V2 mini Starlink satellites were launched on Feb. 27, 2023. In this photo, they were stacked on top of one another before being loaded onto the Falcon 9 rocket.
The UEMR from these novel orbiter and all those that will follow them into orbit over the next few decennium could terminate up " blinding radio telescope and crippling vital research of the universe , " investigator save in astatement .
The UEMR emitted by the Den 2 artificial satellite is up to 10 million times brighter than the swooning radio - seeable objects in the night sky . " This difference is interchangeable to the faint-hearted wizard visible to the nude heart and the brightness of the Full Moon , " study leash authorCees Bassa , an astronomer at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy ( ASTRON ) , allege in the financial statement .
The act of Starlink satellite being launched into outer space is alsoincreasing year - on - twelvemonth , which means the problem will likely get much worse . SpaceX has already launch more than 1,300 satellites into space in 2024 — all of which have been V2 minis .
SpaceX has been launching an average of 40 Starlink satellites into orbit every week in 2024. This rocket launched on May 9.
Other satellite megaconstellations , such asChina ’s Thousand Sails ConstellationandAmazon ’s Project Kuiper , are also starting to take shape , which could worsen the issue if they also leak UEMR . The study researchers estimate there could be up to 100,000 satellites in electron orbit by the end of the 10 .
Study co - authorFederico Di Vruno , an uranologist at the SKA observatory in the UK , says that we will eventually strain an " modulation point " where the amount of UEMR leak from artificial satellite will completely bedim radiocommunication uranologist ' aspect of the cosmos . " We need to take action to preserve our sky as a windowpane to explore the universe from Earth , " Di Vruno say .
Other issues
The leak radiation is not the only upshot do by Starlink satellites . The swarming spacecraft are alsocausing problems for optical astronomersby photobombing time lapse images with streaks of light . They can also beknocked out of orbit by solar stormsand are responsible forover half of the close encounters between revolve spacecraft .
When the orbiter attain the end of their lives and fall back to Earth , they alsoleave metallic element pollution in the atmosphereas they burn up . Some scientists even think that this metal pollution could get so unfit that itcould one day intervene with Earth ’s protective magnetic field .
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The Falcon 9 rockets that plunge the satellite have also come under scrutiny . The reusable rockets have already beengrounded by federal authorities twice this yeardue to explosive failures and have beenknown to make " ionospheric holes"when they leave or reenter the upper atmospheric state .
Starlink satellite launches can also creategiant swirl of light in the Nox sky , known as " SpaceX coil . " However , these wakeful shows pose no threat to our satellite .
