Amazon’s Constellation of 3,236 Satellites Has Astronomers Very, Very Freaked Out

"To me, honestly, it feels like putting a bunch of planes up and then not having air traffic control."

Amazon was approved by the Federal Communications Commission to launch 3,326 satellites as part of its planned Kuiper constellation. That’s roughly 600 more satellites than the total number currently in orbit, as The New York Times reports. But who’s counting?

Astronomers are. And they’re worried. The news comes just a week after SpaceX launched its latest batch of 57 Starlink satellites, bringing the total number up to just shy of 600 already in orbit.

The reflective micro satellites have been photobombing astronomical observations of the night sky ever since they started being launched by SpaceX, appearing as bright streaks of light.

https://futurism.com/amazon-satellite-constellation-astronomers-freaked-out

#US #Amazon #SpaceX #satellite #astronomy

Hundreds of astronomers warn Elon Musk's Starlink satellites could limit scientific discoveries

SpaceX plans to launch thousands of satellites as part of its Starlink space internet project

Hundreds of astronomers have warned that satellite constellations like Elon Musk‘s Starlink network could prove “extremely impactful” to astronomy and scientific progress.

A report by the Satellite Constellations 1 (Satcon1) workshop found that that constellations of bright satellites will fundamentally change ground-based optical and infrared astronomy and could impact the appearance of the night’s sky for stargazers around the world.

The research brought together more than 250 astronomers, satellite operators and dark-sky advocates to better understand the astronomical impact of large satellite constellations.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/elon-musk-astronomers-spacex-starlink-satellites-astronomy-a9687901.html

#SpaceX #Starlink #satellites #astronomy

#SpaceX wins first #Pentagon contract for Starshield
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