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Space

UK night skies will be among worst hit by satellite megaconstellations

By Jonathan O’Callaghan

16 September 2021

concept image of global satellite communications system

A concept image of global communications using satellites

NicoElNino / Alamy

Every location on Earth will have hundreds of satellites visible in the night sky, if the launch and operation of mega constellations continues as planned.

Mega constellations are vast groups of satellites designed to orbit Earth and beam internet to the ground. Notable examples include SpaceX’s Starlink and the UK’s OneWeb constellations. Already more than 2000 such satellites have been launched, with upwards of 65,000 expected in the coming years, including other initiatives from the US and China. Many of the…

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