According to reports, some SpaceX Starlink satellites may be leaking low-frequency radio signals, which could have an effect on astronomical studies. For the first time, according to researchers, electromagnetic radiation from Starlink satellites in vast constellations was observed using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope in the Netherlands.
‘Unintended Electromagnetic Radiation’
According to a recent press release from the International Astronomical Union, “unintended electromagnetic radiation” coming from Starlink satellite onboard electronics has been discovered and may have an effect on astronomical research. Scientists from various international universities utilized the telescope to observe 68 Starlink satellites for a study that was published in the journal “Astronomy & Astrophysics.”
The authors came to the conclusion that although radio astronomers had primarily focused on communications signals, they had also picked up radiation coming from the satellites’ electronics. According to the authors, this discovery is novel and necessitates more research.
Because SpaceX had the most Starlink satellites in orbit at the time of the observations—more than 2,000—the authors initially concentrated on them. According to the press release, they expect to detect comparable unwanted emissions from other low-Earth orbiting satellites because they recognize that SpaceX is not the only operator of huge satellite constellations.
Detected by LOFAR
Cees Bassa, a co-author from the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, reported that radiation from 47 of the 68 satellites that were observed was detected by LOFAR in the frequency range between 110 and 188 megahertz. This frequency range includes a protected band between 150.05 and 153 megahertz that is specifically designated for radio astronomy by the International Telecommunications Union.
Are Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites leaking radiation?
As no international legislation for satellites addresses this type of radiation, SpaceX is not breaking any laws. The statement stated that the scientists had been in close communication with the Elon Musk-led corporation, which had apparently offered to continue talking about potential ways to offset any negative effects on astronomy. The authors also did simulations of this effect from various satellite constellations.
An Example to behold
The release stated that SpaceX’s method of working with astronomers is “setting an example” and that changes have already been made to its next generation of satellites that could lessen the impact of these unintended emissions on significant astronomical projects. Other satellite operators were invited to participate, according to the union.
“We believe that the early recognition of this situation gives astronomy and large constellation operators an opportunity to work together on technical mitigations pro-actively, in parallel to the necessary discussions to develop suitable regulations,” said co-author Gyula Józsa from Rhodes University in South Africa. Multiple inquiries for comment from FOX Business were not immediately answered by SpaceX.
