Elon Musk’s Starlink: a threat to astronomical research?

The prospect of Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, expanding its operations to South Africa has generated considerable excitement, particularly for its potential to bridge the digital divide in rural communities. However, experts in the field of astronomy are raising concerns about the unintended consequences of satellite constellations on South Africa’s world-class radio telescopes, writes Harriet Box for The Weekend Argus.

University of the Western Cape Professor Lerothodi Leeuw recently spoke to Cape Talk radio about the disruptive impact that Starlink and similar satellite networks could have on the country’s premier astronomical facilities. Among those at risk are the Southern African Large Telescope, a state-of-the-art observatory in Sutherland, and the ambitious Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, designed to unlock new insights into the universe.

Leeuw likened the interference caused by satellites to a form of ‘photo-bombing’, where artificial radio signals intrude upon critical observations. He emphasised that this issue is not new, but Starlink’s growing prominence has renewed discussions around mitigating the effects of space-based transmissions. South Africa has invested significantly in its radio telescope infrastructure, and authorities have implemented strict regulations to minimise interference from terrestrial sources. The SKA site, for instance, is located within a designated radio-quiet zone. However, Leeuw pointed out that these safeguards do not extend beyond national borders, leaving space-based satellites outside the scope of local regulations.
Full report on the IOL site