Are the increased numbers of satellites going to interfere in the study of space?

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The short answer is that they have not given this enough thought, but logically speaking, when multiple companies finished their networks, we will have tens of thousands of low-orbit satellites.

So, while it's not impossible to launch rockets, it will be like running a gauntlet. Low-orbit, means much narrower launch windows.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@Northwest A good point though I think the greater risk is of collisions in orbit. I read the question though as about the clutter intefering with astronomical observations, rather than space flight.

Northwest · M

@ArishMell These satellites, unlike most previous generations, have the ability to establish a protocol with NASA mission and mechanisms to "maneuver". This is also used to insure that they do not collide with each other.

This, however, is software controlled, and as someone who spent his entire career writing software, I will predict that something will go wrong.

If the question is whether we will be able to see these things out there, the answer is most definitely and they will interfere with stellar observations.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@Northwest Thank you for explaining it.

morrgin · F

@ArishMell I put it in the astronomy category. I didn't know what else to pick. I wanted to include all who study space, galaxies, universe(s), planets, stars, etc.

Northwest · M

@morrgin That's a good place for it.