Regarding whats on the news lately about SpaceX plan to launch one million satellites to have space as a hub for AI data centers. What does this mean for astrophotography? Is it realistically a threat to the hobby as a whole or does it mean a more aggressive rejection parameter would solve the issue if it ever arises?
SpaceX's million satellite plan: threat to astrophotography or manageable challenge?
Engaging
It’s a threat to a lot more than just Astro photography. I’m ready for the band aid to be ripped off and personally can’t wait for the bubble to burst.
It’s a threat to night. At the 5,000 to 6,000 that are up there now, plus the accumulated space debris since the start of the ‘space age’, studies show that the cumulative reflected light has already reduced darkness, everywhere, by 10%. At 100,000, and the corresponding increase, and increase in rate, of debris, probably no more Bortle 1 sites, and maybe no Bortle 2. At a million, no night.
That a single individual wouldn’t hesitate to change our world (in every respect) in such a profound way to serve their own ends is avarice and ego of an unprecedented level. That everyone else let’s it happen is self absorption and complacency at an even greater level.
Scott
Don’t forget China’s plan to launch their version of starlink.