Starlink Constellation Could Damage SKAO Telescope Observation Results

Starlink's cover emission disrupted research from the telescope (photo: dock. SKAO)

JAKARTA The Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) development team is starting to realize the dangers of the Starlink satellite constellation for their radio telescopes. Starlink could damage the results of SKAO observations.

The results of the study in the paper in databaseXiv may be true because SpaceX is working faster than other commercial space companies. Although the entire company is vying to make the constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), SpaceX excels with Starlink.

So far, the most satellite records are held by Starlink with 4,600 objects in orbit. In fact, SpaceX is not satisfied with that number. They plan to launch more satellites up to 42,000 objects, according to Space records.

Seeing SpaceX's ambitions, astronomers are starting to observe the impact of this massive launch and are aware of its dangers. Starlink could damage the observations of many telescopes as its reflection causes the night sky to become brighter around the world, including SKAO.

Not only did it damage SKAO's view, but the network of the largest radio telescope Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) was also affected by the Starlink constellation. According to them, Starlink's transmission covered the signal from LOFAR's astronomical targets.

In fact, if Starlink doesn't interfere with SKAO's performance, this telescope could probably be the strongest in helping astronomers given its duties related to neutral hydrogen mapping in space.

SKAO works quite sensitively so that they are able to detect various emissions easily, both two-way transmission between satellites and the earth and signals from the satellite itself.

Seeing this problem, the satellite aviation governing body must create a new policy that does not harm astronomers because astronomy is one of the sciences that needs to be considered.

If regulatory agencies can make the right policies, private companies like SpaceX can regulate emissions from their satellites and maintain various emission leaks that can interfere with data filtering from the telescope.

Although the purpose of making the Starlink constellation is good, namely making internet access at high speed around the world, respect for astronomers is also needed so that there will be no divisions in the future.