BRIN Reveals the Impact of Satellite Constellations on Astronomical Observations in Indonesia

Illustration of a satellite in Earth orbit (photo: BRIN doc)

JAKARTA - BRIN researcher, Antonia Rahayu Rosaria Wibowo, highlighted the impact of the satellite constellation on astronomical research facilities. According to him, this constellation presents a challenge for astronomers.

This was conveyed in a webinar entitled Science and Society: The Rendezvous of Astronomical Facilities and Indigenous Communities. This event was held jointly with the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) and the University of Canterbury on March 10, 2026.

Antonia explained that the National Observatory on Mount Limau, which was built since 2015, faced a major challenge from low Earth orbit. The satellite line that passes through is reported to interfere with the quality of astronomical data even before the facility is operational.

"Although the observatory is not yet fully operational, the satellite path has already interfered with the quality of astronomical data that will be obtained," explained Antonia, quoted in a BRIN release on Wednesday, March 11.

The observatory on Mount Limau was actually designed to replace the old facility in Bandung which was surrounded by light pollution. However, the existence of thousands of artificial satellites in the sky is now a new pollution that is difficult for researchers to avoid.

This disruption not only impacts global-scale scientific research, but also sociocultural aspects. The reason is that the sky observations carried out by indigenous people around the location are threatened with losing accuracy due to the satellite's trajectory.

For Antonia, access to a clean sky for local communities is a right that must be protected. Visual disturbances in the sky can reduce traditional astronomical knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Seeing this situation, BRIN said that strong collaboration is needed to establish the area as a dark sky park. This cooperation must involve the central government, regions, research institutions, to local communities.

In addition to domestic policies, Antonia also encourages international regulations that regulate the use of space by private companies. Developing countries are considered to need compensation or protection for the impact caused by the constellation of satellites of developed countries.