11 replies to this topic

[Forward Scatter]

From the South China Morning Post:

 

"Researchers say China plans to build a huge satellite network in near-Earth orbit to provide internet services to users around the world – and to stifle Elon Musk’s Starlink. The project has the code name “GW”, according to a team led by associate professor Xu Can with the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Space Engineering University in Beijing. But what these letters stand for is unclear.

The GW constellation will include 12,992 satellites owned by the newly established China Satellite Network Group Co, Xu and his colleagues said in a paper about anti-Starlink measures published in the Chinese journal Command Control and Simulation on February 15.

 

The launch schedule for these satellites remains unknown, but the number would rival the scale of SpaceX’s planned network of more than 12,000 satellites by 2027." 

 

I give amateur astronomy 2 years before it is futile. Between all the internet sat constellations, hyper-bright LED lighting, development, endless summers of wildfire smoke, etc., we are in a rather suboptimal situation.  

[csa/montana]

 

I give amateur astronomy 2 years before it is futile.

Depends on the location.  More will probably go to different ways to view; but astronomy will not end.

[jlinsobe]

The era of the massive satellites is coming to an end.  Newer units are more compact than ever.

Probable the size of a 72mm or 60mm ota box.   
 

Nanosatellites.

Edited by jlinsobe, 25 February 2023 - 02:07 PM.

[Ron359]

Depends on the location.  More will probably go to different ways to view; but astronomy will not end.

Yep,  We're so lucky to live on planet that rotates on a tilted axis giving us unlimited access to locations for dark sky Astronomy 365 nights.  

 

You can always go to above Lat. 80N or 80S, and all the mega-constellations of 100K+ moving lights and LED LEO billboards will always be below the horizon and the sky completely  dark except for a little Moon, or Aurora now and then, for  6 months of the year.   Bring, lots of dew zappers, batteries, warm clothes and hot chocolate.  Hopefully the relatively few polar orbiting satellites wont' be much bother.  

 

 If you're really true hard core, you can 'swap polar latitudes' every 6 months or so, to get those incredible southern sky objects high in the sky and avoid any satellites and daylight.    A cruse ship for a few thousand CNs astronomers, would be ideal to go from polar night to polar night.   

Edited by Ron359, 26 February 2023 - 07:04 PM.

[Phillip Creed]

One small little problem with China's plan -- they don't have reusable launch delivery systems like the Falcon 9.

Clear Skies,

Phil

[Ron359]

One small little problem with China's plan -- they don't have reusable launch delivery systems like the Falcon 9.

Clear Skies,

Phil

You are making several false assumptions...  I'll just mention 2.   A communist government doesn't need to make a profit to do what it deems it needs to do for its 'national security.'  The satellites they launch don't need to be as large or heavy as a Starlink.

[csrlice12]

And they don't have to be painted black or be antireflective.

[Astrophotonics]

Kessler syndrome in 3..2..1.

[CrossoverManiac]

This is why I didn't think going after Elon Musk was going to really help, not after hearing about all the other corporations and now nation states cluttering up LEO.  Maybe you can muster enough political support to stop Musk but I have a feeling that China isn't going to listen to a bunch of foreigners angry that their view of the night sky was being spoiled.

 

Edit: I wouldn't put it past them to go overboard in making their comm sats brighter by putting reflectors and even spotlights on them just to spite us.

Edited by CrossoverManiac, 18 March 2023 - 06:34 PM.

[Toups]

Why does the old adage:

 

 

I was told to cheer up, things could be worse.  Sure enough, I cheered up and things got worse!

come to mind?

 

I don't think amateur astronomy will die, at least not for that reason.  Standard light pollution is taking its toll and playing a bigger role.  However  ground based professional optical and radio astronomy could take a big hit as more satellites are placed in orbit.

[Old Man]

Maybe they will they use balloons to launch them ?     

[kbart0791]

From the South China Morning Post:

 

"Researchers say China plans to build a huge satellite network in near-Earth orbit to provide internet services to users around the world – and to stifle Elon Musk’s Starlink. The project has the code name “GW”, according to a team led by associate professor Xu Can with the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Space Engineering University in Beijing. But what these letters stand for is unclear.

The GW constellation will include 12,992 satellites owned by the newly established China Satellite Network Group Co, Xu and his colleagues said in a paper about anti-Starlink measures published in the Chinese journal Command Control and Simulation on February 15.

 

The launch schedule for these satellites remains unknown, but the number would rival the scale of SpaceX’s planned network of more than 12,000 satellites by 2027." 

 

I give amateur astronomy 2 years before it is futile. Between all the internet sat constellations, hyper-bright LED lighting, development, endless summers of wildfire smoke, etc., we are in a rather suboptimal situation.  

So I liked what you posted since it is true.  Dont like the fact that if they succeed it will screw up visual observation and AP that much more.  I am sure we will adapt, but the natural beauty of the night sky seems to be diminishing at an exponential rate.  

Edited by kbart0791, 22 March 2023 - 10:28 PM.