Thousands of Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX are disrupting radio signals crucial for astronomers studying the early universe, according to a report by New Scientist. The unintended interference threatens the work of highly sensitive telescopes that are designed to detect faint signals from billions of years ago, when the first stars were forming.
Australian Scientists Track Harmful Signals
A team of researchers from Curtin University in Australia analysed emissions from nearly 2,000 Starlink satellites. Their findings revealed that these satellites emit signals in two frequency bands that are officially protected for radio astronomy by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Using a prototype from the Square Kilometre Array-Low (SKA-Low) observatory in Western Australia, the scientists determined that emissions from the satellites could contaminate up to one-third of the data collected at certain frequencies. Scientists are developing the SKA-Low observatory, which will link over 100,000 small antennas to probe signals from neutral hydrogen clouds that existed during the formation of the first stars
Deep Space Signals Drowned Out by Starlink
The radio signals SKA-Low aims to capture are incredibly faint—10,000 times weaker than the emissions leaking from Starlink satellites. These signals are essential for understanding how the first galaxies and stars formed. Steven Tingay of Curtin University emphasised the severity of the issue: “If you look at the signal strength produced by these unintended emissions, it’s not unusual for them to be comparable to the brightest natural radio sources in the sky.”
Starlink Attempts Mitigation, But Concerns Persist
Although SpaceX has made efforts to address these issues, including turning off internet beams while passing over key observatories, experts say these steps haven’t sufficiently mitigated the impact. The unintentional nature of these emissions complicates enforcement and long-term solutions.
This is not the first time astronomers have raised alarms over the impact of Starlink’s massive satellite network. The constellation, which now serves over 100 countries, continues to grow as SpaceX prepares to launch more satellites and begin operations in additional regions, including India.
Starlink Launch in India Imminent
Starlink will start services in India in the coming two months. Reports indicate that the necessary satellite dish will be available for purchase at around Rs 33,000, and unlimited monthly data plans will cost approximately Rs 3,000.
Although it has global internet advantages, Starlink’s unintended interference with deep space observation has emerged as a disturbing issue among scientists and astronomers globally.
