Predicted Brightness of Starlink Internet Satellites at 350 km

TL;DR

This paper simulates the sky distribution and brightness of SpaceX's proposed 350 km altitude Starlink satellites, revealing their varying impact on astronomical observations compared to the current 550 km altitude.

Contribution

It provides a quantitative analysis of the brightness and distribution of low-altitude Starlink satellites and their potential effects on astronomy.

Findings

Greater impact during twilight at 350 km

Less impact during full darkness at 350 km

Results align with SpaceX's qualitative claims

Abstract

SpaceX recently proposed to orbit 19,440 Starlink internet satellites at a low altitude of 350 km instead of the current 550 km. The distribution in the sky and the apparent magnitudes of these spacecraft are simulated in this paper. During astronomical twilight the impact of spacecraft at 350 km on astronomical observations would be more severe than those at 550 km. However, during the hours of darkness those at 350 km would have a less severe impact. The qualitative statement made by SpaceX to the US Federal Communications Commision is consistent with the quantitative results reported here.