Hi All,
There is no doubt that the application by SpaceX for a 1 million satellite strong mega-constellation has the potential to be a devastating blow to astronomy at all levels. Yet, the economics of such a venture are alot less clear and some within the industry are already casting doubt on orbital data centres as both uneconomical and a significant risk to data security.
Whether or not this ever becomes a reality remains to be seen, though, as we have seen before with Musk / SpaceX never underestimate their ability to make even the improbable possible.
There is however, another potentially serious threat looming in the sidelines in the form of the Earendil-1 prototype satellite from Reflect Orbital. Their application for launch is currently before the FCC. If you are not aware of Reflect Orbitals plans a very basic summary is that they intend to launch a satellite constellation that will provide “sunlight as a service” – basically large space mirrors that will sit in an orbital shell at 625 km. The purpose is to reflect sunlight onto the dark side of earth to provide near 24hr illumination on areas where subscriber’s to their service pay for it. These will track across the sky shining a beam of light on, for example a solar farm and its surrounding area. There is no clear method stated as to where this beam of light goes as the satellite reorientates onto its next target. This is of course a very short and simplistic overview of their project.
There are many impacts and risks to their proposal, the key ones for astronomy being the launch of intentionally bright satellites and the risk of retinal damage if you are unfortunate enough to be looking through a telescope or binoculars when one of these satellites passes directly into your FOV.
There are of course other significant impacts on ecology, and atmospheric pollution, aviation and so on, and also its worth noting the US military have seen the potential applications and have gave the project financial resources to explore ‘novel uses’ of the technology.
I would like to encourage any and all within the BAA to have a look at this project and join in lodging objections to the FCC. I am happy to provide details as to how to do this, and you do not need to be a US citizen to lodge an objection. All objections are equally valid, whether from individuals or organisations.
Clear skies,
Jim
James Verner
Director
Dark Sky UK
IAU-CPS Member