As a passive method, coating satellites with the “blackest black” Vantablack could significantly mitigate the feared massive consequences for astronomy from the rapidly increasing number of objects in orbit. This is the result of simulations at the University of Surrey, according to which the brightness of satellites could be brought close to the limit set by the International Astronomical Union to protect astronomical observations. This would be a viable way to protect astronomy without restricting space travel too much. The research group responsible for the study is now planning a demonstration with a colored small satellite, the CubeSat Jovian 1.
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Not useful for all satellites
According to the research group, almost completely darkening the satellites using a special coating could help solve a problem that has been gaining urgency for years. Since 2019, the number of active satellites in Earth orbit has increased to over 14,000, with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet accounting for more than two-thirds of them. In addition, there are already almost 20,000 inactive satellites and space debris as well as plans for enormous constellations of up to 1.7 million additional satellites. This represents an “existential threat” to optical astronomy and could also cause traditional stargazing to lose its appeal. Just a few days ago, the European Space Agency (ESA) issued a dramatic warning about the development.
Vantablack is the name of a substance made from carbon nanotubes developed in Great Britain that absorbs 99.965 percent of light and appears deep black. The British research team has now simulated how an easier-to-handle variant called Vantablack 310 would affect satellites. It reflects around two percent of the light. However, the remaining part is scattered diffusely, which is why satellites coated with it would no longer flash. The group believes it has found a scalable method in the fight against light pollution. However, this can only be used on satellites that can be dark. Much-criticized satellites that are supposed to reflect sunlight are not darkened. The study appeared in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
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