Can Satellite Mega-Constellations Justify their Impact on Astronomy?

08 August 2022, Version 3
This content is an early or alternative research output and has not been peer-reviewed by Cambridge University Press at the time of posting.

Abstract

Private space companies are increasingly commercializing near-earth space. Some estimates show that more than 100,000 satellites may orbit the Earth by 2030. This increase in the number of satellites has many consequences for science, particularly astronomy. Satellite mega-constellations for satellite Internet connectivity are one of the main drivers behind the explosion in the number of satellites. Here, we briefly note whether such satellite mega-constellations can justify their impact on astronomy.

Keywords

Astronomy
Satellites

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