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satellite constellations
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- 1Amazon seeks FCC approval for 5,105 new satellites●# Amazon is asking the # FCC to approve 5,105 massive new # satellites while hiding their orbital debris risk models beh
Amazon has asked the US Federal Communications Commission to approve a constellation of 5,105 additional satellites for its Kuiper broadband project. Critics say the company has withheld its orbital debris risk models behind corporate secrecy, and space sustainability advocates are demanding full public transparency, arguing that a safe orbital environment is a shared resource that should not be shaped behind closed doors.
- 2FCC Holds Sweeping Power Over Massive Spaceflight Projects●"The U.S. Federal Communications Commission can single-handedly green-light massive spaceflight projects that could comp
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission can single-handedly approve massive spaceflight projects, including large satellite constellations that could fundamentally alter the appearance of the night sky for everyone on Earth. Despite growing public outcry and concern from astronomers, space law experts say the FCC remains effectively the only gatekeeper, with very little other regulatory oversight available to check these approvals.
- 3Astronomer turns sinking Starlink satellites into planetary barometer●Astronomer watches Starlink satellites sinking to build a 'planetary barometer'
An astronomer is tracking the gradual orbital decay of Starlink satellites to measure density changes in the upper atmosphere, effectively turning the satellite constellation into a global 'planetary barometer'. As satellites sink, the drag they experience reveals how the thin air at their altitude expands and contracts with solar activity. Space scientists are discussing the approach as a clever reuse of existing mega-constellation telemetry for atmospheric research.
- 4Astronomers say AST SpaceMobile satellites far exceed brightness limits●"Our measurements reveal an average brightness seven times brighter than mitigation targets cited in FCC filings and pea
Astronomers report that measurements of AST SpaceMobile satellites show an average brightness seven times above mitigation targets cited in FCC filings, with peak values more than 200 times brighter than the International Astronomical Union's recommended threshold of magnitude 7. The findings raise concerns as the company prepares to deploy more satellites, with researchers warning of growing interference with ground-based astronomy.
- 5Amazon Stock Rises as Satellite Service Nears Launch▼AMZN Stock Gains On Hitting Satellite Milestone to Launch Starlink Internet Rival This Year
Amazon shares gained after the company hit a key satellite milestone, clearing the way for its broadband constellation to begin launching this year as a rival to SpaceX's Starlink. Investors welcomed the progress on Project Kuiper, which aims to deliver satellite internet service to customers worldwide.