Satellite Swarms Threaten to Wipe Out 95% of Space Telescope Images

A NASA-led study has found that reflections cast by a growing number of satellites orbiting the Earth could ruin more than 95% of images taken by some space telescopes in the next decade. The reflected light shows up as streaks called satellite trails, which have already been seen in images taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The situation is only getting worse as more satellites accumulate in orbit, according to researchers. According to the study, published in Nature on Wednesday, other telescopes could deliver streak-filled images, including NASA's SPHEREx, the European Space Agency's ARRAKIHS, and China's Xuntian Space Telescope. SPHEREx launched this year, while ARRAKIHS and Xuntian have yet to launch. The study's lead author, Dr. Amy Simon, a researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, stated, "As the number of satellites in orbit increases, so does the likelihood of satellite trails contaminating our observations." Dr. Simon emphasized that the issue is not limited to NASA's telescopes, but rather a global problem that affects all space-based observatories. The problem arises from the increasing number of satellites in low Earth orbit, which are used for a variety of purposes, including communication, navigation, and Earth observation. These satellites reflect sunlight, creating streaks that can contaminate images taken by space telescopes. The study's authors used computer simulations to model the effects of satellite trails on space telescope images and found that the problem is likely to worsen in the coming years. The implications of this study are significant, as space telescopes play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the universe. The Hubble Space Telescope, for example, has made numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including the detection of dark energy and the observation of distant galaxies. If satellite trails are not addressed, it could compromise the quality of future observations and limit our ability to make new discoveries. Dr. Simon noted that the issue is not insurmountable, and that researchers are exploring ways to mitigate the effects of satellite trails. "We're working on developing new algorithms and techniques to remove satellite trails from images," she said. "However, this will require international cooperation and coordination to address the root cause of the problem, which is the increasing number of satellites in orbit." The study's findings have significant implications for the space industry, as well as for the scientific community. As the number of satellites in orbit continues to grow, it is essential that researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders work together to address this issue and ensure that space telescopes can continue to make groundbreaking discoveries. In response to the study, NASA officials stated that they are taking the issue seriously and are exploring ways to mitigate the effects of satellite trails. "We recognize the importance of space-based observatories and are committed to ensuring that they can continue to make new discoveries," said a NASA spokesperson. The agency is working with international partners to develop new guidelines and regulations for satellite operations to minimize the impact on space telescope images. The study's findings highlight the need for international cooperation and coordination to address the growing number of satellites in orbit. As the space industry continues to grow, it is essential that policymakers and industry leaders prioritize the issue of satellite trails and work together to find solutions.