SpaceX satellites could be leaking radiation, according to researchers

A few days ago, researchers revealed that the Starlink satellites of the SpaceX are leaking radiation, a fact that caused a lot of concern in specialists.

SpaceX's constellation of satellites, the billionaire's company Elon Musk, was designed to provide worldwide internet. However, it would now be polluting the wavelength ranges intended for radio waves.

What's going on with SpaceX's satellites?

A study carried out by engineer Federico Di Vruno, from the SKA Observatory and the Astronomical Union International, confirmed fears about the impact of satellite constellations on research astronomical.

Previous observations suggested the existence of radiation leaks from the equipment, and now these suspicions have been proven.

SpaceX currently has around 4,365 satellites in Earth orbit, with plans to launch thousands more in the near future.

In addition, other companies such as OneWeb and Amazon are also building their own satellite constellations. This increase in the number of devices in Earth orbit has caused a growing concern among astronomers.

The light pollution caused by the visibility of satellites has already been addressed by SpaceX, which has developed a version with lower light intensity.

However, radio astronomy, which is equally important, continues to be affected. In this way, the frequencies of radio between 10.7 and 12.7 gigahertz, used by satellites for return communication, can be compromised.

Using the Low Frequency Network (LOFAR) in Europe, which is made up of 20,000 radio antennas, researchers detected leaks of electromagnetic radiation on 68 satellites in the Starlink constellation.

These leaks occur in a protected frequency band specifically designated for radio astronomy.

Future perspectives

While this radiation leak is accidental and not currently violating any rules, scientists are concerned about the long-term impact. The more satellites that are launched and emit this unwanted radio signal, the more intense it becomes.

The researchers reached out to SpaceX, which is working to reduce or eliminate these accidental leaks.

Furthermore, this early discovery allows adjustments to be made in future design of satellite constellations as regulators work to fill in gaps in the rules existing.

“The present research highlights the possible unintended consequences of technological development in astronomy”, says astronomer Michael Kramer of the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy and the Astronomische Gesellschaft in Germany.

“With SpaceX leading by example, we expect the entire satellite industry and regulators to support measures to mitigate these unintended effects.”