Orbital Data Centers Threaten Night Sky with Bright Satellite Megaconstellations

A team led by astronomer Aaron Boley used simulations to assess how solar-powered data center constellations would alter the night sky. The study examined three configurations proposed by SpaceX, Blue Origin and Cowboy Space Corporation, ranging from a single ring to multiple intersecting shells, with satellite counts from 20,000 up to one million. Results indicate that the satellites’ large solar arrays would reflect enough sunlight to produce a bright band at dawn and dusk, visible from both pristine dark-sky locations and heavily light-polluted cities.

In extreme scenarios, the artificial objects could outnumber visible stars by a hundredfold, hampering ground-based and space telescopes and interfering with radio astronomy despite existing coordination efforts. The glare would also extend to ecological zones, potentially disturbing nocturnal animals worldwide, as noted by Princeton astronomer Gaspar Bakos. While some operators have pledged mitigation, the FCC currently lacks authority over satellite light pollution, leaving the issue largely dependent on public pressure and industry cooperation.