SpaceX Starlink satellites are leaking electromagnetic radiation, researchers say
Scientists used the LOFAR telescope to detect the radio waves
Some SpaceX Starlink satellites are reportedly leaking low-frequency radio waves, which scientists say could impact astronomical research.
Scientists used the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope in the Netherlands to observe the type of electromagnetic radiation from satellites in large constellations for what they said was the first time.
"Unintended electromagnetic radiation" emanating from onboard electronics in Starlink satellites was detected which could impact astronomical research, according to a recent release from the International Astronomical Union.
In a study published in the journal "Astronomy & Astrophysics," scientists from multiple international institutions used the telescope to observe 68 Starlink satellites.
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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is seen in this time exposure from Cocoa Beach, Florida, as it launches the company's third Starlink mission on January 6, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. ((Photo by Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images) / Getty Images)
While communications transmissions had been the primary focus for radio astronomers, the authors concluded that they detected the radiation emanating from electronics onboard the satellites.
The authors said this discovery is novel and warrants further investigation.
The authors initially focused on SpaceX satellites, because it had the most in orbit – more than 2,000 – at the time of the observations.
However, the release said they recognized that SpaceX is not the only operator of large satellite constellations, and that they expect to find similar unintended emissions from other low-Earth-orbiting satellites.
Installation Manager Derek McKay checks some of the 96 radio antennae installed for the European Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope at the Chilbolton Observatory near Andover, Hampshire. ((Photo by Chris Ison/PA Images via Getty Images) / Getty Images)
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A co-author, Cees Bassa from the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, said the LOFAR had detected radiation between 110 and 188 megahertz from 47 of the 68 satellites that were observed, included a frequency range that includes a protected band between 150.05 and 153 megahertz that is specifically allocated to radio astronomy by the International Telecommunications Union.
However, SpaceX is not violating any rules, as this kind of radiation is not covered by any international regulation for satellites.
The authors also performed simulations of this effect from several satellite constellations and the release said they were in close contact with the Elon Musk-led company, which has reportedly offered to continue to discuss possible ways to mitigate any adverse impacts on astronomy.
The passage of SpaceX Starlink satellites is observed in the skies of Sanliurfa, Turkey, on May 4, 2023. ((Photo by Arda Kucukkaya/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) / Getty Images)
"As part of its design iteration, SpaceX has already introduced changes to its next generation of satellites which could mitigate the impact of these unintended emissions on important astronomical projects," the release noted, saying that SpaceX's approach to collaborating with astronomers is "setting an example."
The union called for participation from other satellite operators.
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"We believe that the early recognition of this situation gives astronomy and large constellation operators an opportunity to work together on technical mitigations pro-actively, in parallel to the necessary discussions to develop suitable regulations," co-author Gyula Józsa, from Rhodes University in South Africa, said.
SpaceX did not immediately respond to FOX Business' multiple requests for comment.