Starlink Satellites Disrupt Radio Astronomy: A Study from Curtin University

Curtin University researchers have conducted an unprecedented survey of low-frequency satellite radio emissions, revealing that Starlink satellites significantly interfere with radio astronomy observations. This finding, published on July 23, 2025, has raised alarms within the scientific community regarding potential disruptions to astronomical research.
The study, led by PhD candidate Dylan Grigg, is considered the most comprehensive catalog of satellite radio emissions at low frequencies to date. The team analyzed over 76 million images of the sky, focusing on the Starlink mega-constellation—operated by SpaceX—which has launched more than 7,000 satellites into orbit. During a four-month data collection period, the researchers detected over 112,000 radio emissions from 1,806 Starlink satellites. In some instances, up to 30% of the images exhibited interference from these satellites.
The interference is not merely a quantitative issue; the strength and frequency of the signals emitted are also problematic. Grigg noted that some satellites emitted signals within frequency bands reserved for radio astronomy, such as the 150.8 MHz range, which is meant to be free from interference. This unintended emission stems from onboard electronics rather than intentional transmissions, complicating efforts for astronomers to filter out the disruptive signals.
Professor Steven Tingay, Executive Director of the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) and a co-author of the study, emphasized the need for regulatory improvements to mitigate such interference. Current regulations set by the International Telecommunication Union primarily address intentional transmissions and do not encompass unintended emissions. He stated, "Starlink isn’t the only satellite network, but it is by far the biggest, and its emissions are now increasingly prominent in our data."
The ramifications of this study extend beyond research interruptions; they pose significant questions about the coexistence of satellite technology and radio astronomy. Professor Tingay remarked, "We’re standing on the edge of a golden era where the SKA will help answer the biggest questions in science. But it needs radio silence to succeed."
Despite the challenges, discussions between the research team and SpaceX have been constructive, with the latter not violating any existing regulations. Professor Tingay hopes the findings will support international efforts to update policies governing the impact of satellite emissions on radio astronomy. The research, titled 'The Growing Impact of Unintended Starlink Broadband Emission on Radio Astronomy in the SKA-Low Frequency Range,' was published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The implications of this study underscore the delicate balance required between advancing satellite internet technologies and preserving the integrity of astronomical research. As researchers prepare for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)—the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope—ensuring minimal interference will be crucial in unlocking answers to fundamental questions about the universe, including the formation of the first stars and the nature of dark matter.
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