Satellite Interference Disrupts Space Telescope Astronomy

Earths vicinity is increasingly crowded with satellites. The risks of this congestion, particularly in low Earth orbit (LEO) below 1,200 miles, are becoming more apparent. Collisions in this zone can damage critical technology and even deposit debris back onto our planet. Scientists are now raising concerns that the growing number of satellites is also compromising astronomical imaging, both from terrestrial and space-based telescopes.

NASA researchers warn that if satellite launches continue at the current projected rateexpected to rise by a factor of 100 in the coming decadeover one-third of images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope could be disrupted by satellite streaks.

Simulated Impact: Visualizations show the effects on Hubble (a), SPHEREx (b), Xuntian (c), and ARRAKIHS (d) space observatories, illustrating the interference anticipated from satellites planned for operation by 2040. Images from Borlaff, A.S., et al., Nature (2025).

The outlook is even more concerning for other upcoming space telescopes, including NASAs SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer), the European Space Agencys ARRAKIHS, and Chinas Xuntian. Estimates suggest that over 96% of images from these missions could be affected by satellite traffic.

Publishing their findings in Nature, the researchers propose practical solutions to protect astronomical observations without hindering satellite industry growth. Suggested measures include restricting the orbital heights of large satellite constellations, carefully planning and tracking satellite paths, and adjusting telescope trajectories to avoid interference.

To ensure that space telescopes can continue to reveal the universes secrets, humanity must manage LEO more thoughtfully, minimizing satellite interference in our cosmic observations.

Author: Zoe Harrison