What recent studies show
Large surveys and peer-reviewed papers (e.g., Astronomy & Astrophysics study and university surveys) document that unintended broadband emissions from LEO constellations — Starlink among the largest — can produce in-band contamination and polarized broadband noise in SKA-Low frequency ranges, reducing sensitivity for deep astronomical surveys. The problem includes both radio interference and optical trails (for optical astronomers).
Regulatory and operational responses
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Science communities pushing mitigation: SKA teams, IAU working groups, and major observatories have asked regulators to require on-orbit mitigations (spectral notching, scheduled blanking, beam steering) and to add protective licensing near observatories. Some bilateral agreements have already been trialed.
Actionable advice for commercial users & sellers
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Check geo-restrictions prior to deployment. In some countries, observatory-adjacent zones could have operational restrictions or “no-transmit” windows—plan SLAs accordingly.
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Design flexible operation plans. If you serve maritime or energy customers near large arrays, include the possibility of temporary no-transmit windows in contracts and fallback comms.
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Transparency & cooperation. Offer customers clear guidance in areas with observatories; provide an easy “shutdown” procedure for portable kits to comply with ad-hoc requests.
FAQ (short)
Q: Will my Starlink Mini be disabled near an observatory?
A: Not automatically, but regulators can impose temporary restrictions; operators should watch local notices and coordinate with regulators when operating near major telescopes.
Sources: A&A study; Phys.org reporting; SKA/IAU statements.
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