Starlink Satellites' Interference Threatens WA's SKA Radio Telescope

A recent study has revealed that Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, poses a significant threat to the world's largest radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), currently under construction in Western Australia’s Murchison region. Conducted by Dylan Grigg, a PhD candidate at Curtin University, the research analyzed an extensive dataset of 73 million images captured over the night sky, uncovering that the emissions from Starlink satellites are disrupting radio astronomical observations.

The SKAO project is an ambitious international initiative aimed at unlocking the mysteries of the universe, particularly the first billion years following the formation of stars and galaxies. When completed in 2030, the SKA-Low component will be the largest radio telescope ever built, comprising up to 512 stations spread across 74 kilometers. However, Grigg's findings have raised concerns regarding the potential for interference from the thousands of Starlink satellites operating in low Earth orbit.

"We took an image of the sky every two seconds for about a month," Grigg stated. "The overwhelming majority of satellites detected were Starlink, which emit radio noise from onboard electronics that interferes with our observations."

The frequency range used by SKA-Low, approximately 50 to 350 MHz, overlaps with the emissions from the satellites, complicating the detection of faint astronomical signals. Grigg likened the situation to trying to hear a conversation while standing next to someone shouting through a megaphone. Although the satellite signals fall within a legally grey area of regulation, their impact on radio astronomy is undeniable.

Federico Di Vruno, SKAO’s spectrum manager, confirmed that Grigg’s results align with previous findings regarding the interference caused by satellites. He noted that while the single station used in Grigg’s study faced significant interference, the SKA-Low's network of stations may mitigate some of these issues. "We are continuing to study the issue and raising it in international settings like the UN in collaboration with all stakeholders," Di Vruno said.

The issue of satellite interference is becoming increasingly pressing as the number of satellites in orbit has surged. The Union of Concerned Scientists reported a record number of satellite launches last year, raising questions about the regulation of unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) in space.

Steven Tingay, the director of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, expressed hope that Grigg’s comprehensive study would spark greater public discourse on the trade-offs between expanding global internet access and preserving the integrity of scientific research in radio astronomy. "This study sets a baseline for what’s happening now, allowing us to compare future changes in the environment of radio observations," Tingay remarked.

As the demand for satellite internet grows, the potential consequences for astronomical research cannot be overlooked. The balance between technological advancement and the preservation of scientific inquiry presents a significant challenge for policymakers and researchers alike. Further discussions and regulatory frameworks will be essential to address these emerging conflicts in the future.