Astronomy v the Billionaires' Space Race

The billionaire space race is well under way. SpaceX has already launched 10,000 satellites. You can easily see them with the naked eye. The company plans to launch another 30,000 satellites - but they are already having an impact on astronomy.

Starlink satellites are the number one source of collision hazard in Earth's orbit. Each one weighs 800 kg. They are also a hazard to us on Earth. Our speaker, Dr Samantha Lawler, lives on Canada's prairies, and has been studying the proliferation of satellites in orbit over the past few years. She was stunned to learn how often space debris falls close to her home.

Find out what happens when you find space debris on your farm and silent SpaceX employees show up in a rented truck to collect it.

The race between SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others has important implications for international law, the continued operation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit, atmospheric pollution, and the future of astronomy, as Dr Samantha Lawler will explain.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Anne French