While Amazon’s hardware is a long way from the launchpad, SpaceX has already deployed hundreds of satellites in its Starlink constellation, including 57 additional satellites that it launched Friday. Starlink satellites are notorious for “photobombing” astronomical images with bright streaks, damaging the quality and reducing the volume of data that scientists collect for research. So far, astronomers have put most of their attention on Starlink because SpaceX was the first company to launch big batches of satellites. But now that Amazon has the FCC’s approval, the Starlink satellites will have company both in orbit and in the discussion about the effects of these networks on astronomy. In response to the light pollution concerns, SpaceX is experimenting with dark coatings and sunshades for its Starlink satellites.

Source: bd News24 August 11, 2020 04:52 UTC