Astronomers Warn Orbital Data Centers Will Obstruct Night Sky

Astronomers Aaron Boley, Samantha Lawler, and Hanno Rein published a preprint paper titled "Rings in the Sky" warning that proposed orbital data centers could severely obstruct the night sky. The study models satellite constellations from Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Blue Origin, and Cowboy Space based on Federal Communications Commission filings.

Researchers suggest that the plan by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. to deploy up to 1.2 million satellites could result in 100 times more visible satellites than stars during certain hours. The paper highlights significant concerns regarding light pollution and the environmental impact of disposing of satellites every three minutes.

While Space Exploration Technologies Corp. has dimmed existing Starlink satellites and promised mitigation, the American Astronomical Society has requested that the FCC deny the company's application. The society also expressed concerns regarding filings from Blue Origin, which proposed the Sunrise constellation of up to 51,600 satellites, and Cowboy Space, which filed for the Stampede constellation of 20,000 satellites.