The New Space Race!
- Sep 24, 2021
- 1:25:44
- Full Episode
This week we're back with another special episode! David comes on to lead Marques and Andrew through a discussion about internet for all via Starlink satellites and some of the effects it can have on astronomy and observers of the night sky. It's a big topic but also a fun discussion with plenty of expert interviews.
Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:15 What is Starlink? 11:34 Background on satellites being deployed 17:30 How they affect astronomy 26:25 Space treaty talk 30:38 Digging deeper 38:31 Canva (Sponsored) 39:44 Truebill (Sponsored) 40:50 Talking to more experts 53:10 Regulation 01:07:31 Storyblocks (Sponsored) 01:08:44 Ending discussions 01:25:07 Outro
Twitter Links: https://twitter.com/wvfrm https://twitter.com/mkbhd https://twitter.com/andymanganelli https://twitter.com/AdamLukas17 https://twitter.com/DurvidImel
Special thanks to: Emily Zhang: https://twitter.com/emilylinzhang Dr. Jeremy Tregloan-Reed: https://bit.ly/3kzhAeQ Dr. Jonathan McDowell: http://www.planet4589.org/ Dr. Josef Koller: https://bit.ly/3zzRvjR Robin Dickey: https://bit.ly/2ZrI9dP
Links: shop.mkbhd.com https://discord.gg/mkbhd Music by 20syl: https://bit.ly/2S53xlC
Waveform is part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Brief Summary
The episode discusses the modern space race, satellite internet, and its impact on astronomy and global connectivity.
Key points
- The New Space Race. In 2021, a new space race is underway, focusing on satellite internet access.
- Starlink's Ambitious Plans. Starlink aims to launch 42,000 satellites to provide global internet access.
- Astronomers vs. Starlink. Starlink satellites are causing issues for astronomers by reflecting too much light.
- The Satellite Dilemma. Astronomers face challenges from satellite constellations affecting their observations.
- Kessler Syndrome Explained. The risk of satellites colliding and creating space debris is a growing concern.
- Kessler Syndrome Explained. Kessler syndrome is a chain reaction of satellite collisions creating dangerous debris in orbit.
Episode highlights
- The New Space RaceIn 2021, a new space race is underway, focusing on satellite internet access.“Stick with us for a deep dive into this new space race!”0:29Sep 24, 2021
- Starlink's Ambitious PlansStarlink aims to launch 42,000 satellites to provide global internet access.“That's a lot of satellites!”16:17Sep 24, 2021
- Astronomers vs. StarlinkStarlink satellites are causing issues for astronomers by reflecting too much light.“These satellites could damage sensitive telescope sensors!”18:33Sep 24, 2021
- The Satellite DilemmaAstronomers face challenges from satellite constellations affecting their observations.“Astronomers haven't really been able to do anything at all.”25:53Sep 24, 2021
- Kessler Syndrome ExplainedThe risk of satellites colliding and creating space debris is a growing concern.“Kessler syndrome is when you get something in orbit that hits another thing in orbit.”42:19Sep 24, 2021
- Kessler Syndrome ExplainedKessler syndrome is a chain reaction of satellite collisions creating dangerous debris in orbit.“Things are moving at 70,000 miles per hour, causing chain reactions.”44:53Sep 24, 2021
- The Satellite RaceWith over a hundred thousand satellites expected in space, the risk of collisions rises.“There's going to be over a hundred thousand satellites in space soon.”45:44Sep 24, 2021
- Regulation ChallengesCurrent space treaties are outdated, and new regulations are needed to manage satellite debris.“The outer space treaty is 50 years old and showing its age.”56:00Sep 24, 2021
