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

CPS

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News

NSF and SpaceX Sign Agreement to Mitigate Impact of Starlink Satellites on Ground-Based Astronomy

NSF and SpaceX Sign Agreement to Mitigate Impact of Starlink Satellites on Ground-Based Astronomy

Jan. 10, 2023
NSF and SpaceX continue to explore methods to further protect ground-based astronomy with new coordination agreement
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IAU CPS Statement on BlueWalker 3 — Global astronomy community troubled by unprecedented brightness and use of terrestrial frequencies from space of recently launched BlueWalker 3 satellite

IAU CPS Statement on BlueWalker 3 — Global astronomy community troubled by unprecedented brightness and use of terrestrial frequencies from space of recently launched BlueWalker 3 satellite

Nov. 28, 2022
The International Astronomical Union Center for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference expresses concern about the recently launched prototype BlueWalker 3…
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The IAU Applauds Important Federal Communications Commission Step Towards Regulation of Space

The IAU Applauds Important Federal Communications Commission Step Towards Regulation of Space

Nov. 7, 2022
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is delighted that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the US government has announced its intention to create a new office dedicated to space.
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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
3541
Operational Constellation Satellites
4332
Total Launched Constellation Satellites
17
Satellite Constellations in Planning
431713
Planned Constellation Satellites
30
Contributing CPS Members
166
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.

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+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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