Burnt-up satellites could dump hundreds of tonnes of aluminium in the stratosphere every year. An atmospheric chemist explains what that might mean
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The sky is becoming more cluttered with satellites and space junk. This is affecting astronomical study, but will only have a minor effect — if any — on the viewing of the solar eclipse.
Megaconstellations of satellites are hindering the most powerful tool for space exploration: telescopes.
Starlink satellites emit bright, unintended and unexpected signals that can be detected by radio telescopes.
We’re currently a few years into the 25th studied solar cycle. An 11-year period of sun activity, this solar cycle is more active than previously expected.
How might the space industry reduce its ecological footprint and better manage the debris it leaves in its wake?
Many telescopes use the radio spectrum to learn about the cosmos. Just as human development leads to more light pollution, increasing numbers of satellites are leading to more radio interference.
A year ago, the Ukrainian military was largely equipped with Soviet-era weapons. It has since seen an influx of high-tech weapons. But it’s less what than how that’s made a difference.
Starlink has plans to connect phones, planes and even cruises to its space satellites. But there are hold-ups.
A growing number of satellite ‘mega-constellations’ are being deployed. Will a starry night sky soon be a thing of the past?
Space weather can affect satellites in a number of different ways, from frying electronics to increasing drag in the atmosphere.
Megaconstellations of satellites will visually clutter the night sky, disrupting astronomical research. And the environmental damage caused by these satellites is still unknown.
In the past decade, the number of satellites in orbit has skyrocketed thanks to tiny electronics and cheap launches. The crowded night sky is posing problems for astronomers and astronauts.
As thousands of new satellites enter Low Earth Orbit, it’s important to consider their potential impact, including possible environmental damage in addition to hindering the work of astronomers.
Earth orbit is filling up with satellites and space junk. Technological fixes can only go so far to deal with the problem.
SpaceX’s satellites will populate the night sky, affecting how we observe the stars. And this is just the beginning of private satellite mega-constellations.
Top contributors
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Associate professor, Astronomy, University of Regina
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Associate Professor, Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia
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Professeur associé en management de l'innovation et stratégie, Co-directeur de la Chaire Sirius, TBS Education
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Deputy Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
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Associate Professor, Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto
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Chercheur post-doctorant en stratégie, innovation et entrepreneuriat, Chaire Sirius, TBS Education
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Astronomer, Australian National University
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Professor (Digital Technology, Security and Governance), Flinders University
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Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University at Albany, State University of New York
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Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Environment and Sustainability), The University of Melbourne
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Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University
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Professor of Physics, UMass Lowell
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Emeritus Professor of International Law, Western Sydney University
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PhD candidate, School of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Sydney
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Postdoctoral Fellow in Space Physics, University of Saskatchewan
