Surrey teams work to take the shine off satellites

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Surrey NanoSystems and Surrey University are working together to tackle the increasing issue of satellite brightness, a phenomenon that threatens ground-based astronomical research.

From left to right: Professor Keith Ryden, James Whitfield, Astha Astha, Dr Keiran Clifford, project leader Dr Noelia Noël and Luca Ferrian
From left to right: Professor Keith Ryden, James Whitfield, Astha Astha, Dr Keiran Clifford, project leader Dr Noelia Noël and Luca Ferrian - Surrey University

Over 8,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites orbit Earth and projections estimate a rise to 60,000 by 2030, partly driven by the development of mega-constellations. The rate of growth means the issue of light reflecting from satellites back to Earth is pressing for astronomers and star gazers.

To combat this problem, satellite operators have begun experimenting with mitigation strategies including dark coatings and changes to satellite position, though the negative impact on ground-based measurement continues.

 

 

Ultra-black technologies specialist Surrey NanoSystems has developed a new solution with Vantablack 310, a handleable, customer applied coating that is resistant to the challenging LEO environment.

The technology will be trialled on Jovian 1, the first satellite mission from JUPITER – the Joint Universities Programme for In-Orbit Training, Education and Research. The mission, scheduled to launch in 2026, will carry payloads from the Universities of Surrey, Portsmouth and Southampton, AMSAT-UK, and one designed, built and tested by students from the three universities.

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Satellite Light Pollution