SpaceX has been testing the Starlink constellation since 2015. The first prototype satellites were launched in the year 2015. As of the end of December 2018, nearly 2,000 of these functional satellites were in orbit. Many are prototypes, or non-operational units. These are not functioning parts of the network, and thus cannot be considered as part of the network. But, if you look at how many of these are in orbit, it is clear that they are functional.
If we were to put Starlink in space, we could have 65,000 of them in orbit in just a few years. And, since SpaceX isn’t associated with any satellite maker, she’s a reputable source. In fact, she’s a professional astronomer and has no vested interest in the project. The constellation would cover an area of about 50 degrees north and south, but will affect a wider area.
The authors’ reasoning for this is rather complicated. First, they argue that the FCC failed to consider the potential light pollution posed by the Starlink constellation. They also claim that the FCC’s authority to authorize private satellites should be restricted to those orbiting satellite constellations. The FCC has to consider such factors when making decisions involving the Cosmos, which is why they should be held accountable for their actions.
There’s another issue – the dangers of this constellation go beyond optical light. The company’s Starlink satellites require more than 10,000 satellites in the sky, which would be prohibitively expensive. But SpaceX is showing signs of wanting to put as many as 42,000 spacecraft in orbit. Even though the risk of collision is minimal, there’s still the possibility that satellites may interfere with Earth’s natural satellites.
Despite all the benefits of a satellite-based internet service, there’s a big downside. The satellites will affect telescopes in Canada and Europe. As they are located near the 50-degree-north-south meridian, they will be visible to most people. The only drawback of this constellation is the astronomical debris it creates. However, the satellites are not directly related to each other, so they will not impact the Earth’s atmosphere.
Some critics have argued that Starlink is bad for the environment. In the space community, Elon Musk has a high profile. But he is not an astronomer or a scientist. In fact, the authors are not affiliated with any satellite maker, but they do argue that the risks of this constellation go beyond optical light. For example, the authors suggest that the FCC’s approval of the Starlink network is incompatible with the concept of global warming.
While the company is launching more Falcon 9 rockets each month, its network has been plagued with controversy. The scientific community has voiced its concerns about the lack of safety in the constellations. Meanwhile, rivals in the satellite internet business have taken note of the Starlink momentum and have tried to slow Musk down. If the network’s satellites are built as intended, they will be less effective. The satellites will also be more likely to have a low-orbiting altitude, making it more vulnerable to the effects of sunlight.
The current state of the constellation means it will not be as effective as it needs to be. As a result, it will require a large number of satellites in order to be effective. The International Astronomical Union has warned that the constellation will not be able to cover the entire world. Currently, Starlink’s coverage is limited to regions of 45 to 53 degrees north latitude. If it is used, people on Earth will not be protected from the light of the satellites.
The network of satellites required by Starlink would require massive amounts of raw materials and energy. The satellites would have to stay in low Earth orbit for a few minutes in order to cover the whole Earth. To be useful, these satellites would have to be inexpensive. In fact, the new constellation will cover regions between 45 degrees and 53 degrees north. If Starlink is launched, it will need as many as 40,000 satellites.