Starlink satellite could pose disruptions to SA’s radio telescopes

CAPE TOWN - Elon Musk's Starlink satellite, which will be launched in low orbit around Earth, could pose disruptions to South Africa’s radio telescopes.

The SpaceX satellite plans to bring faster connectivity to remote parts of South Africa.

However, South African astronomers are raising concerns about the disruptions the satellite could cause to our highly sensitive telescopic equipment.

READ: Starlink waits for go-ahead in South Africa, but ICASA hasn't received application

Professor Lerothodi Leeuw, from the University of the Western Cape (UWC)'s Department of Physics and Astronomy, said that the space where the telescopes were located had strict protections to ensure no interferences occur.

"The protection we have in place at the moment they don't apply internationally, such as in space, we don't control those low-orbiting satellites. So, the concern that was put forward is what if these low Earth orbiting satellites contribute and Starlink is not the only one, there's a whole bunch of them."

Leeuw added that satellites crossing the telescope's path cause interruptions to their research.  

"So, just to give it a little bit of context. We know that our radio telescopes will get interference from artificial radio transmitters and from the ground, we take that so seriously that the area where the square kilometre radius is going to be in South Africa is a protected area against such interferences."