Millions of Satellites Threaten the Night Sky... Astronomers Turn to International Law

Astronomers and space policy experts are seeking to bring the fight to protect the night sky to the International Court of Justice, amid concerns over an unprecedented expansion in the number of satellites, data center projects, and space-based mirrors.

The Institute for Space and Development Law is leading an initiative urging the United Nations General Assembly to request an advisory opinion from the Court, clarifying states’ obligations under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, particularly the principle of due regard for the interests of other states when conducting space activities.

The initiative follows difficulties in achieving international consensus on efforts to regulate light pollution within the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

Concerns are mounting over proposed large-scale projects. U.S. regulatory bodies have reviewed applications involving massive numbers of satellites intended for orbital data centers, while companies are planning future constellations that could include around 50,000 satellites equipped with mirrors to reflect sunlight.

Published research has warned that the expansion of space constellations increases light streaks in telescope images and raises sky brightness, potentially affecting astronomical observations from both Earth and space.