Starlink is SpaceX’s ambitious project to build an interconnected internet network with thousands of satellites, known in the space industry as a Megaconstellation continues this week. Weather permitting a Falcon 9 rocket that will deliver the latest batch of 60 Starlink satellites into orbit from Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida taking the total number of Starlinks in orbit to over 1,000.

The potential problem that 35,000-plus satellites pose to astronomers is significant. When Starlink satellites are launched in groups, they spread out into what are referred to as satellite trains or long strings of lights crossing the night sky at an altitude of 550 kilometres.

Education Specialist for the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory in Priddis, Jennifer Howse says this is causing concern to both professional and amateur stargazers 

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According to a media release from SpaceX there are 3 phases to the operation. The Starlink satellites will be visible from the earth only when they are first launched and orbit the earth at an altitude of 290 km. It will take about 3 to 4 months for them to raise altitude up to 550 km above the earth when they will begin 'onstation service'. The plan is to increase internet service to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable.

 

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