SpaceX launched 57 new satellites in its latest push to launch its Starlink cluster. The company plans to launch beta trials of its Internet service, served by the satellites later this summer. There was controversy surrounding the Starlink satellites, as they were much brighter than one expected.
Astronomers and scientists worldwide have complained that the SpaceX satellites could make astronomical observations of Earth more difficult. SpaceX has tried several methods to reduce the brightness of the satellites, including coating. The latest satellites are called ‘VisorSat’ variety and are designed to be less reflective. They are specifically designed to be less visible through telescopes from the ground.
The VisorSat range of Starlink satellites with visor that will deploy after launch and block the sunlight from reflecting off the satellite’s surfaces. Astronomers say that while the fissures are likely to make the satellites less bright, they will not stop the satellites from interfering with astronomy. Finally, SpaceX aims to launch tens of thousands of Starlink satellites to provide worldwide broadband internet coverage.
What astronomers fear is that the satellites will place SpaceX in orbit when they look at distant dim objects, the data can be corrupted by acting like false stars. According to astronomer Jonathan McDowell, it will only take a few seconds for the satellite to cross the field of view of the telescope. They use extremely long exposures with their cameras, in that few seconds the entire exposure of 10 to 15 minutes can be ruined.
Scientists are worried that the satellites will mainly affect telescopes that observe near the horizon near the observation. These exhibits are said to be particularly important for the discovery of asteroids flying close to Earth. So far, SpaceX has 600 satellites in orbit and has permission to launch nearly 12,000 satellites, it eventually wants to put 42,000 satellites into orbit.
