Satellite megaconstellations will threaten space-based astronomy

The rapid expansion of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite megaconstellations is creating a growing threat to space-based astronomy, challenging the long-held perception that space telescopes are immune to light contamination.

If all proposals for new telecommunication satellite launches are fulfilled, projections indicate that Earth could be orbited by **half a million artificial satellites by the end of the 2030s**. Currently, the total number of satellites is only a small fraction (less than 3%) of those planned for the next decade.

This episode delves into a study forecasting the devastating impact...