Mysterious Chinese Satellite Network Is Already Impacting the World

Chinese satellites currently orbiting the Earth are bright enough to block out some views of the night sky. As reports indicate that future satellites will be even brighter than existing ones, some astronomers are growing concerned. In addition to increasing light pollution, some experts worry that the light from the Chinese spacecraft and its low orbit will interfere with radio astronomy.

China’s soon-to-be-launched satellites are said to be positioned at a very low altitude, greatly increasing their brightness in the night sky. Already visible to the naked eye from Earth, the future fragments of Qianfan that will be sent into orbit can be brighter by one or two magnitudes and effectively create the need for a novice astronomer to make a significant reduction in new light levels.