Astronaut Don Pettit captured from ISS the video of Starlink satellites. Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX, providing coverage to over 100 countries and territories. As of Sep. 2024, the constellation consists of over 7,000 mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) that communicate with designated ground transceivers. Nearly 12,000 satellites are planned to be deployed, with a possible later extension to 34,400. Astronomers raised concerns about the effect the constellation may have on ground-based astronomy, and how the satellites will contribute to an already congested orbital environment.
Cosmic fireflies. Actually, these are Starlink satellites momentarily flashing sunlight towards @Space_Station. pic.twitter.com/rOKUdLlP3f
— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) December 1, 2024
Reference: Don Pettit’s Tweet
See earthview photo gallery: LiVEARTH