NASA Warns of SpaceX Satellites Threatening Hubble’s Observations

Concerns over the impact of satellite constellations on astronomical observations have escalated, with NASA researchers warning that the growing number of satellites, particularly those from SpaceX, poses a significant threat to the Hubble Space Telescope. A new study led by Spanish astrophysicist Alejandro Serrano Borlaff highlights that if the current plans for satellite launches proceed, one in three Hubble images could be compromised by light pollution.

The study underscores fears that existing and future satellite projects will severely disrupt observations. Currently, SpaceX holds approval from the US Federal Communications Commission to deploy 12,000 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), with aspirations to add an additional 30,000 over the next few years. Researchers anticipate that the number of satellites could swell to as many as 500,000 within the next decade, amplifying the risk of interference.

Impact on Astronomical Research

This research marks a pivotal moment in understanding the implications of light pollution from commercial satellites on space telescopes. According to Borlaff, “This is the first scientific study whose main objective is to investigate the effects of light pollution on space telescopes, taking into account these plans announced by the industry.”

Hubble is not the only telescope at risk. The European Space Agency‘s upcoming ARRAKIHS mission, slated for launch in the 2030s, could see bright streaks of light obstruct 96 percent of its images. Additionally, NASA’s recently launched SPHEREx may face even greater challenges, with projections suggesting that over 99 percent of its images could be affected by light pollution.

As the number of satellites in orbit increases, the astronomical community faces a pressing challenge. The anticipated future of satellite proliferation requires immediate action from international regulators to mitigate potential damage to scientific observations.

The Need for Regulation

Efforts to address these concerns will necessitate collaboration among spacefaring nations, particularly the United States, which has shown reluctance to impose restrictions on commercial activities in LEO. Without coordinated international efforts, the prospect of preserving the integrity of astronomical research and observations may diminish rapidly.

As the landscape of space exploration evolves, the balance between commercial satellite deployment and scientific integrity will be critical. The situation demands urgent attention to ensure that future generations can continue to explore the cosmos without the looming threat of light pollution from satellite constellations.