The Future of the Internet and What It Means for Astronomy

SpaceX recently launched another batch of satellites into low-earth orbit, putting them closer to their goal of creating the world’s first global internet system, Starlink. SpaceX has been known for some of their bold moves in the space game, most popular being their ability to launch and land rockets for reusability, but the might soon become a household name for their internet based system that is built entirely on a network of satellites that orbit Earth and create a mesh or web around the globe that can get internet access to almost anywhere.

With their most recent bunch being launched on the 29^th of January 2020, they currently have 240 total satellites of the thousands that will be required to bring internet to the entire globe. It seems like a lot of extra equipment in space, where there is already about 2,000+ satellites, but that is nothing compared to the when they will have all 12,000 already authorized in orbit and another 30,000 in which they have applied. That is an astonishing 2,100% increase in orbiting satellites in the coming years.

With all this stuff orbiting Earth, some concerns have been brought up from astronomers regarding the ability to use telescopes. One of the main concerns is the light pollution from reflecting light off these thousands of shiny metal objects in the sky. SpaceX listened to these concerns and in their latest batch, they painted one satellite almost entirely black. If this seems to help, they will move forward with this idea and put all the future satellites into orbit with black paint. Another concern from astronomers is the crowed space above Earth becoming dangerous and expensive if satellites are too close together and colliding. However, SpaceX did keep that in mind as well. They are putting their Starlink satellites into a low-earth orbit of about 180 miles, but only for a short time before they use their thrusters to go another 160 miles further out. They will be in working order at around 340 miles above the Earth which keeps them apart from most other low orbit satellites.  To put that into perspective, the ISS orbits roughly 200 to 250 miles above the Earth’s surface.

While this overwhelming task by a private company seems a bit crazy at times, it appears SpaceX not only has space in mind as they design and listen to ideas from experts in the field, they also have the population of Earth in mind too. Remember their main goal is to provide internet access to everyone, regardless of geographical location or economic status. As long as technology keeps getting cheaper and smaller, the ability to get internet from a collection of satellites hundreds of miles above the Earth will become a reality for everyone.