Policy · 2h ago
Astronomers Warn: No More Than 100,000 Faint Satellites in Orbit
A new study led by the European Southern Observatory recommends capping the number of faint satellites in low Earth orbit at 100,000 to prevent interference with astronomical observations. The limit would preserve the night sky for science while allowing for commercial satellite constellations. Researchers used simulations to assess the impact of satellite trails on telescopes.
Meridian48 take
The proposed cap is a pragmatic compromise, but enforcement remains a challenge as satellite launches continue to accelerate.
satellite-constellationsastronomy