Impact of Satellite Light on Space Telescope Imaging

Light from satellites will ruin more than 95% of images taken by some space telescopes in the next decade, according to a NASA-led study published in Nature. Reflections from satellites, which appear as streaks called satellite trails, have already affected images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Alejandro S. Borlaff, the lead author of the study and NASA scientist, explained that crucial astronomical events could be lost if a satellite crosses the observation area. The increase in satellite launches has been unprecedented, with more satellites launched in the last four years than the previous 70 years combined.

Over 10,000 active satellites are currently in orbit, primarily owned by SpaceX, which has over 7,800 Starlink satellites. The International Telecommunication Union has indicated there are thousands more satellites planned for launch.

The study predicts that the Hubble Space Telescope may experience at least one light streak in one out of every three images, while telescopes like NASA’s SPHEREx, the European Space Agency's ARRAKIHS, and China's Xuntian Space Telescope could see as much as 96% of their images contaminated.

The American Astronomical Society has raised concerns about the impact of satellite trails on astronomical research and is working with federal agencies and the satellite industry to mitigate these effects.

SpaceX has stated it is testing measures to reduce light emissions from its satellites, including darker coatings and visors, while the ITU emphasizes the need for stricter regulations regarding satellite management to ensure space sustainability.