Elon Musk wants to send 30,000 more Starlink satellites into space - and it has astronomers worried
The IndependentSign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Elon Musk’s SpaceX is once again asking for approval to send up nearly 30,000 more Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit- and astronomers are sounding the alarm over the request. SpaceX officials claim it is necessary to bring blazing gigabit speeds and “ubiquitous mobile connectivity to all Americans” for its high-speed internet service, as well as for billions of Starlink users around the world. At the time the FCC said its decision would protect other satellite operators from harmful interference and maintain a “safe space environment.” But, the company’s 20-page October 11 filing neglects to mention any associated impact. “Obviously, the impact,” Piero Benvenuti told The Independent Monday, “ what we have already known for several years, claimed that there’s a severe impact on astronomy, both optical and radio astronomy and also the visibility of the pristine sky,” open image in gallery SpaceX's mega rocket Starship lifts off from the Texas-based Starbase for a test flight on October 13, 2024.