to establish a coordinated satellite observation hub under the umbrella of a larger International Astronomical Union (IAU) Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference. Such a long-term mitigation activity will require significant sustained resources.
We note that the US FCC order under current legal discussion has, quite correctly, encouraged SpaceX to continue engagement with the astronomical community. However, these productive collaborations ought to proceed within the context and guidance of Environmental Assessment.
Impact on public access to sky
A more complete discussion of this topic can be found in the Community Engagement Working Group report from SATCON2 [9], but it is worth restating the main points here.
Public access to the stars
IAU's Resolution B5, "In Defence of the Night Sky and the Right to Starlight" (2009), asserts that "'[a]n unpolluted night sky that allows the enjoyment and contemplation of the firmament should be considered a fundamental socio-cultural and environmental right."
A greatly increased number of satellites can significantly alter our whole perception of the night sky in the long-term, appearing as “fake stars”; according to our model 2030-era population of 100,000 bright satellites at 600 km, the number of visible fake stars could well rival the number of visible real stars [3,24]. They will be towards the fainter end of what one can see with the unaided eye, affecting especially the remaining uncontaminated places to observe the sky, even for the whole night (depending on seasons and latitudes). Even so, a significant number of satellites at the margins of visibility may create an unsettling effect of constant wriggling and squirming.
In addition, for many Indigenous people, the night sky is an active and vital part of culture, storytelling and inheritance from one generation to another. It is reasonable to claim that access to the night sky environment, including unobstructed views of the stars, can be considered a basic human right for all people. Satellites will also significantly affect amateur astronomy and citizen science, which have become relevant particularly in recent years as an integral part of scientific exploration. For a typical 7 degree binocular field of view, taking our model 2030-era population, around eight satellites will be visible everywhere you look and they will typically be the brightest objects in the field of view. They will move across the field of view in about ten seconds, continuously being replaced by new ones. Meanwhile, many amateur astrophotographers will suffer the same problem as professional astronomers — streaks in most of their images.
Collision impacts on space operations
Growth of space debris
