The high optical brightness of the BlueWalker 3 satellite.

ABSTRACT: Large constellations of bright artificial satellites in low Earth orbit pose significant challenges to ground-based astronomy¹. Current orbiting constellation satellites have brightnesses between apparent magnitudes 4 and 6, whereas in the near-infrared Ks band, they can reach magnitude 2 (ref. ²). Satellite operators, astronomers and other users of the night sky are working on brightness mitigation strategies^3,4. Radio emissions induce further potential risk to ground-based radio telescopes that also need to be evaluated. Here we report the outcome of an international optical observation campaign of a prototype constellation satellite, AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3. BlueWalker 3 features a 64.3 m² phased-array antenna as well as a launch vehicl

SUBMITTER: Nandakumar S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10686822 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature