A recent study from Curtin University has revealed that SpaceX's Starlink satellites are causing significant interference with radio astronomy observations. The research, published on July 17, 2025, analyzed 76 million sky images and found that up to 30% of these images were affected by unintended radio emissions from the satellites. This interference stems from the satellites' onboard electronics leaking into frequency bands crucial for astronomical research.
The study, led by Dylan Grigg, a PhD candidate at Curtin University, identified over 112,000 radio emissions from 1,806 Starlink satellites. Notably, some satellites were detected emitting signals in protected radio astronomy bands, such as 150.8 MHz, where no transmissions are supposed to occur. Professor Steven Tingay, a co-author of the study, highlighted that current International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulations primarily address intentional transmissions and do not cover these types of unintended emissions, creating a gap in regulation that concerns the scientific community. While SpaceX is not currently violating any regulations and has engaged in constructive discussions with astronomers, the sheer number of satellites in the Starlink constellation (over 7,000 deployed with plans for tens of thousands more) exacerbates the problem. The second generation of Starlink satellites reportedly emits even higher levels of unintended electromagnetic radiation over a broader frequency range, potentially worsening the impact on radio astronomy. This interference poses a significant challenge, as it can drown out the extremely faint signals from celestial objects, akin to trying to observe stars near a full moon. Experts are calling for updated international policies to regulate satellite emissions, drawing parallels to existing regulations for ground-based electronic sources to minimize radio pollution. The ongoing expansion of satellite constellations underscores the need for a balance between technological advancements in global connectivity and the preservation of scientific research capabilities, as the future of radio astronomy hinges on effective collaboration and regulatory adaptation.