NASA Report Warns Satellite Constellations Threaten Astronomy Imaging
NASA has released a report highlighting the potential impact of satellite constellations on astronomical imaging. The report, published in Nature, predicts that up to 40% of images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope could be affected by satellite streaks. More concerning is the prediction that three other space telescopes could experience a 96% contamination rate, severely limiting their effectiveness. The proliferation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), driven by companies like SpaceX and others, is cited as a major factor. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has significantly reduced the cost of launching satellites, leading to a surge in satellite deployments. The report also notes that ground-based observatories, such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, are at risk, with up to 80% of its images potentially compromised if satellite numbers exceed 50,000. 
