# Bright unintended electromagnetic radiation from second-generation Starlink satellites

**Authors:** C. G. Bassa, F. Di Vruno, B. Winkel, G. I. G. Jozsa, M. A. Brentjens, X. Zhang  
**arXiv:** [2409.11767](https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.11767)  
**Date:** 2024-09-18  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2409.11767v1/

## Key points

- Researchers detected unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) from second-generation Starlink satellites
- Study focused on broadband emissions spanning specific frequency ranges emitted by v2-Mini and v2-Mini Direct-to-Cell satellites
- UEMR spectral power flux density varied among different satellites, with values ranging from 15Jy to 1300Jy between 56 and 66MHz, and from 2 to 100Jy over two distinct 8MHz frequency ranges centered at 120 and 161MHz
- Second-generation satellites emit UEMR up to a factor of 32 stronger than first-generation satellites
- Electric field strengths of detected UEMR exceeded typical electromagnetic compatibility standards for commercial electronic devices and recommended emission thresholds set by the ITU-R
- Study aimed to assist satellite operators in identifying the cause of UEMR by characterizing its properties and exploring potential solutions or mitigations for future satellite designs

## Summary

Researchers have reported on the detection of unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) emanating from the second-generation Starlink satellites in a recent study. Using observations conducted with the LOFAR radio telescope in the Netherlands, the study focused on broadband emissions spanning specific frequency ranges emitted by the v2-Mini and v2-Mini Direct-to-Cell Starlink satellites. The spectral power flux density of this UEMR varied among different satellites, with values ranging from 15Jy to 1300Jy between 56 and 66MHz, and from 2 to 100Jy over two distinct 8MHz frequency ranges centered at 120 and 161MHz. Comparisons were made between the detected power flux densities of this UEMR and those emitted by first-generation v1.0 and v1.5 Starlink satellites. It was found that second-generation satellites emit UEMR up to a factor of 32 stronger than their predecessors after correcting for observed satellite distances. The calculated electric field strengths of the detected UEMR exceeded typical electromagnetic compatibility standards for commercial electronic devices as well as recommended emission thresholds set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU-R) to protect the radio astronomy frequency range allocated between 150.05-153MHz. The study aimed to assist satellite operators in identifying the cause of this unintended electromagnetic radiation by characterizing its properties. By expanding on previous observations and refining their analysis techniques, researchers hope to shed light on potential solutions or mitigations for this issue in future satellite designs.