A recently published study by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) asserts that the Direct to Cell (DTC) satellites being lofted by SpaceX for its satellite biz average 4.9 times brighter than other Starlink Mini spacecraft.
In a best-case scenario where brightness mitigation techniques are employed, the report estimates that DTC satellites will still be about 2.6 times as bright as the others, based upon the lower altitudes they operate at.
Increasing levels of luminous pollution from various sources, including reflections from low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, are already affecting the view of the night sky, impacting astronomers trying to peer out at distant objects in the universe.
Starlink confirmed a successful test of its technology in January 2024, using the initial DTC satellites it put into orbit. Elon Musk's company plans to offer a service with T-Mobile US that will allow subscribers to make phone calls via satellite using unmodified handsets.
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