Key Details:
- BlueWalker 3 is equipped with a large antenna array measuring nearly 700 square feet, making it one of the largest commercial satellites in low-Earth orbit.
- The satellite’s brightness fluctuates based on its position relative to the sun and the viewing angle, making it highly visible in the night sky at times.
- Researchers from the International Astronomical Union’s Center for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS) conducted a 130-day observation campaign to track BlueWalker 3.
- Observations were made from various locations worldwide, including Chile, the US, Mexico, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Morocco.
- The study highlights the trend toward larger and brighter commercial satellites, which could disrupt scientific observations if not minimized.
- AST SpaceMobile plans to deploy approximately 100 cellular broadband satellites based on the BlueWalker 3 design.
- Companies like SpaceX, with its Starlink satellite constellation, have faced criticism for potential light pollution and interference with astronomical research.
- Astronomers are concerned about the impact of these satellites on visibility and radio astronomy, with some studies suggesting unintended electromagnetic radiation leakage from commercial satellites.
