Astronaut Don Pettit captured from ISS the trajectory 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.
Formation flying; Starlink satellites tracing parallel lines in the sky.
Thanks to @BabakTafreshi for assembling this clip from timelapse images. pic.twitter.com/9vCKt1lCx5— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) April 11, 2025
Reference: Don Pettit’s Tweet
See earthview photo gallery: LiVEARTH