Bright unintended electromagnetic radiation from second-generation Starlink satellites

TL;DR

This study detects and characterizes unintended electromagnetic radiation from second-generation Starlink satellites, revealing emissions that are significantly stronger than previous generations and exceed regulatory standards, impacting radio astronomy.

Contribution

First detailed measurement and comparison of UEMR from second-generation Starlink satellites, highlighting increased emission levels and potential interference with radio astronomy.

Findings

UEMR from second-generation satellites is up to 32 times stronger than first-generation.

Detected emissions exceed international electromagnetic compatibility standards.

UEMR covers broad frequency ranges from 40 to 188MHz.

Abstract

We report on the detection of unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) from the second-generation of Starlink satellites. Observations with the LOFAR radio telescope between 10 to 88MHz and 110 to 188MHz show broadband emission covering the frequency ranges from 40 to 70MHz and 110 to 188MHz from the v2-Mini and v2-Mini Direct-to-Cell Starlink satellites. The spectral power flux density of this broadband UEMR varies from satellite to satellite, with values ranging from 15Jy to 1300Jy, between 56 and 66MHz, and from 2 to 100Jy over two distinct 8MHz frequency ranges centered at 120 and 161MHz. We compared the detected power flux densities of this UEMR to that emitted by the first generation v1.0 and v1.5 Starlink satellites. When correcting for the observed satellite distances, we find that the second-generation satellites emit UEMR that is up to a factor of 32 stronger compared to the first generation. The calculated electric field strengths of the detected UEMR exceed typical electromagnetic compatibility standards used for commercial electronic devices as well as recommended emission thresholds from the Radiocommunication Sector of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU-R) aimed at protecting the 150.05-153MHz frequency range allocated to radio astronomy. We characterize the properties of the detected UEMR with the aim of assisting the satellite operator with the identification of the cause of the UEMR.