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IAU CENTRE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE DARK AND QUIET SKY FROM SATELLITE CONSTELLATION INTERFERENCE

CPS

Learn More About CPS
Our mission is to protect the dark sky

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is deeply concerned about the increasing number of launched and planned satellite constellations in mainly low Earth orbits. The IAU embraces the principle of a dark and radio-quiet sky, not only as essential to advancing our understanding of the Universe of which we are a part, but also for the cultural heritage of all humanity and for the protection of nocturnal wildlife.

The IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS) coordinates collaborative multidisciplinary international efforts with institutions and individuals and works across multiple geographic areas to help mitigate the negative impact of satellite constellations on ground-based optical and radio astronomy observations as well as on humanity’s enjoyment of the night sky.

5
Launched Satellite Constellations
2926
Operational Constellation Satellites
3840
Total Launched Constellation Satellites
16
Satellite Constellations in Planning
431713
Planned Constellation Satellites
30
Contributing CPS Members
23
Affiliated CPS Members

What People Say?

Interference of our view of the sky caused by ground-based artificial lights, optical and infrared trails of satellite constellations and radio transmission on the ground and in space is an existential threat to astronomical observations

— Debra Elmegreen, International Astronomical Union President.

The deployment of thousands of satellites in low earth orbit in the coming years will inevitably change this landscape by creating a much larger number of fast-moving radio sources in the sky, which will interfere with humanity's ability to explore the Universe.

— Philip Diamond, SKAO Director-General.

Technical advances are also propelling explosive growth in global communication satellites. We can balance these to ensure that dark and quiet skies are protected for all humanity.

— Pat McCarthy, Director of NSFʼs NOIRLab.

Contact

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Call Us
+33 1 43 25 83 58
Address
98-bis Blvd Arago, F–75014 Paris
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Email
info@cps.iau.org
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