Mmastodon ScienceSpace Policy first seen 1 d ago, last 41 min ago, peak #4
AST SpaceMobile satellites measured far brighter than targets
Original: "Our measurements reveal an average brightness seven times brighter than mitigation targets cited in FCC filings and pea
New measurements of AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker-class satellites show an average brightness seven times above the mitigation targets the company cited in its FCC filings, with peak readings over 200 times brighter than the International Astronomical Union's recommended magnitude-7 threshold for satellites in orbit. Astronomers say the findings undercut assurances given to regulators, and concerns are growing as the company prepares to deploy a much larger constellation of spacecraft.
Why now: Astronomers are alarmed that direct measurements contradict the brightness mitigation AST SpaceMobile promised to US regulators just as it scales up its constellation.
AST SpaceMobileInternational Astronomical UnionFCCJohn Barentine
Evidence
- "Our measurements reveal an average brightness seven times brighter than mitigation targets cited in FCC filings and peak values over 200 times brighter than the International Astronomical Union’s recommended threshold (V magnitude 7). Now, AST SpaceMobile is expected to deploy… · JohnBarentine@scicomm.xyz · 73
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