The latest generation from SpaceX Starlink A new study shows that satellites are emitting even more potentially disruptive radiation into low-Earth orbit than their predecessors. Researchers warn that continued uncontrolled use of the spacecraft could lead to an irreversible “tipping point” at which we can no longer properly study the universe’s most exciting objects.

In July 2023, researchers discovered that SpaceX’s Starlink Generation 1 satellites, first launched in 2019, do this the leakage of unintentional electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) into space. This radiation, which mainly consists of Radio wavesis accidentally emitted in different directions by the satellites while sending radio signals to Earth. Unfortunately, these radio wave frequencies are very similar to those emitted by distant objects throughout the cosmos, such as stars. exoplanets, Black holes and pulsars, meaning leaks from the satellites can affect radio astronomers’ readings.