A large satellite that’s designed to beam internet to consumer cell phones is now one of the brightest objects in the night sky—much to the chagrin of the astronomical community.
Their concerns revolve around the prototype BlueWalker 3 satellite from Texas-based AST SpaceMobile. Earlier this month, BlueWalker 3 fully deployed itself, resulting in the satellite’s massive 693-foot communication array unfolding over Earth’s orbit.
The International Astronomical Union—which is made up of 12,000 members—now says it’s “troubled” by the satellite’s “unprecedented brightness,” especially since AST SpaceMobile has plans to launch dozens of additional BlueWalker-like satellites in the future.
“New measurements reveal that this low Earth orbiting satellite is now one of the brightest objects in the night sky, outshining all but the brightest stars,” the IAU said in a statement on Monday. As evidence, the group provided several images that show BlueWalker 3 creating satellite streaks in the night sky, which can disrupt and photo-bomb telescopic observations.
The other concern about BlueWalker 3 is how the satellite is essentially designed to operate as an orbiting cell phone tower by beaming radio signals to cell phones on the ground. The problem is that these same radio signals can disrupt observations from radio-based telescopes on Earth, according to the IAU.
“Astronomers build radio telescopes as far away as possible from human activity, looking for places on the planet where there is limited or no cell phone coverage,” says Philip Diamond, director-general for SKA Observatory.
“Frequencies allocated to cell phones are already challenging to observe even in radio quiet zones we have created for our facilities,” Diamond added. “New satellites such as BlueWalker 3 have the potential to worsen this situation and compromise our ability to do science if not properly mitigated.”
Despite the concerns, the IAU is not opposing the BlueWalker 3 satellite outright. The group’s statement points out that internet satellite systems including BlueWalker 3 are designed to address gaps in global broadband connectivity. Nevertheless, the IAU is urging companies to “minimize” the impact their satellites can have on astronomy.
In a statement, AST SpaceMobile said: "We are eager to use the newest technologies and strategies to mitigate possible impacts to astronomy. We are actively working with industry experts on the latest innovations, including next-generation anti-reflective materials. We are also engaged with NASA and certain working groups within the astronomy community to participate in advanced industry solutions, including potential operational interventions."
The company also plans to avoid using BlueWalker 3 to broadcast signals in radioastronomy locations. "While other constellations may require thousands of satellites —there could be as many as 58,000 in orbit by 2030, according to a recent US government report— we plan to provide substantial global coverage with a network of 168 or fewer satellites," AST SpaceMobile added.
In its own statement, the IAU said it sent a letter to the FCC last month about the dangers next-generation satellites can have on astronomical research. The group has also been working with companies such as Starlink developer SpaceX to prevent their satellites from reflecting too much sunlight, although some astronomers still remain weary and opposed to future satellite constellations.