Scientists analyze 76 million radio telescope images, find Starlink satellite interference 'where no signals are supposed to be present'

Black and white streaks and dots appear over a dark background

An astronomical image marred by trails caused by satellites of SpaceX's Starlink megaconstellation. (Image credit: Victoria Girgis/Lowell Observatory)

There's no doubt that SpaceX's Starlink internet service has connected the world like never before — but at what cost? Astronomers have long voiced concerns about Starlink's satellite constellation interfering with observations of the universe, and a new survey by Curtin University confirms those fears.

An analysis of 76 million images from a prototype station for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope found Starlink satellite emissions affected up to 30% of images in some datasets; such interference could affect research outcomes that depend on that data.The survey identified more than 112,000 radio emissions from 1,806 Starlink satellites, and found that uch of the observed interference is not intentional.

Grigg noted these unintended emissions might come from onboard electronics. "Because … they're not part of an intentional signal, astronomers can't easily predict them or filter them out," he said.

While the International Telecommunication Union does regulate satellite emissions to protect astronomical observations, current rules "focus on intentional transmissions and do not cover this type of unintended emission," said Steven Tingay, a Curtin professor and executive director of the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy.

A tower full of satellites looks up toward the sky. — A batch of SpaceX Starlink satellites before deployment. (Image credit: SpaceX)

However, it's not only Starlink satellites that are the problem. The study team's survey focused on Starlink because it currently has the most extensive constellation, with more than 7,000 satellites deployed at the time of the survey, but other satellite networks can "leak" unintended transmissions, too.

—How many satellites could fit in Earth orbit? And how many do we really need?

—NASA plans to build a giant radio telescope on the 'dark side' of the moon. Here's why.

"It is important to note that Starlink is not violating current regulations, so is doing nothing wrong. Discussions we have had with SpaceX on the topic have been constructive," said Tingay. "We hope this study adds support for international efforts to update policies that regulate the impact of this technology on radio astronomy research that are currently underway."

The team's research was published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

TOPICS

Space.com contributing writer Stefanie Waldek is a self-taught space nerd and aviation geek who is passionate about all things spaceflight and astronomy. With a background in travel and design journalism, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University, she specializes in the budding space tourism industry and Earth-based astrotourism. In her free time, you can find her watching rocket launches or looking up at the stars, wondering what is out there. Learn more about her work at www.stefaniewaldek.com.