The proliferation of Starlink satellites, operated by SpaceX, has raised concerns from the International Astronomical Union (IAU) regarding its potential impact on the detection of asteroids and comets that pose a threat to Earth. These concerns have become more pronounced following the recent detection and rapid response to the meteoroid 2024 BX1, which was discovered just hours before it impacted Earth.
The IAU’s report on artificial satellite constellations, including those from SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon, emphasizes the necessity for the global community to address the uncontrolled proliferation of satellites. According to the organization, these satellites are impeding the ability of astronomers to detect near-Earth objects (NEOs) such as asteroids and comets.
Astronomers such as Krisztián Sárneczky, who is based at the Piszkéstető Astronomical Station in Hungary, have observed an alarming trend of an increasing number of satellites obstructing their NEO search. This surge in satellite numbers is attributed to Elon Musk’s plan to expand the Starlink network with tens of thousands of new satellites in the coming years.
The impact of satellite megaconstellations on planetary defense is a growing concern, according to Siegfried Eggl, a researcher at the University of Illinois. He highlights that the recent increase in satellite launches, coupled with filings for hundreds of thousands of new satellites, can potentially hinder the ability to detect and track NEOs, particularly during twilight, a crucial period for detecting elusive and dangerous asteroids.
Efforts to counteract the impact of satellite megaconstellations include ongoing work at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, which aims to conduct the most complete census of the sky in history. However, the proliferation of satellites may affect the observatory’s ability to carry out its scientific goals, as explained by Meredith Rawls, a researcher involved in preparing the observatory’s software.
The IAU has also called for collaboration with satellite operators to develop measures that mitigate the impact of satellites, including reducing their brightness and sharing detailed trajectory data in real time for astronomers to successfully avoid them.
In addition to obstructing astronomical observations, the IAU warns that satellite megaconstellations pose a risk of collisions, increasing space debris and making low-Earth orbit a difficult and risky place to operate. These concerns have prompted some astronomers to take legal action, challenging the granting of licenses for satellite deployment.
As the proliferation of satellites continues, the need for decisive investment in technologies to mitigate their impact becomes more imminent. The IAU’s recommendations and concerns highlight the urgency to address the potential threat that satellite megaconstellations pose to the detection of dangerous asteroids, ensuring the safety of our planet from potential impacts.