Elon Musk's Starlink: a threat to SA's astronomical research?

THE prospect of Elon Musk's satellite internet venture, Starlink, expanding its operations to South Africa has generated considerable excitement, particularly for its potential to bridge the digital divide in rural communities.

- HARRIET BOX

However, experts in the field of astronomy are raising concerns about the unintended consequences of satellite constellations on South Africa's world-class radio telescopes.

University of the Western Cape (UWC) Professor Lerothodi Leeuw recently spoke about the disruptive impact that Starlink and similar satellite networks could have on the country's premier astronomical facilities.

Among those at risk are the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), a state-of-the-art observatory in Sutherland, and the ambitious Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, designed to unlock new insights into the universe.

Prof Leeuw likened the interference caused by satellites to a form of “photo-bombing,” where artificial radio signals intrude upon critical observations.