Technology

Job titles of the future: Satellite streak astronomer

Source

MIT Technology Review

Published

Aug 27, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

The Vera Rubin Observatory has begun a decade-long project to create a detailed time-lapse movie of the universe, but satellite streaks are affecting observations. Research scientist Meredith Rawls is leading efforts to protect the observatory's mission from satellite interference, which can hinder the study of faint stars and galaxies. Rawls has become a leading expert in removing satellite light pollution from astronomical data and designing protocols to prevent disruptions. The increasing number of satellites, particularly from ventures like SpaceX's Starlink and AST SpaceMobile, poses challenges for astronomers, but Rawls remains optimistic about addressing these issues.

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Voyager 1 gets emergency instrument shutdown to solve escalating power crisis and give it ‘about a year of breathing room’ — interstellar spacecraft's nuclear power source is dying, leading to intensifying countermeasures

NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft faces a power crisis as its nuclear power source dwindles, prompting an emergency shutdown of the Low-energy Charged Particles experiment to conserve power. The aging radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) onboard is losing power annually, with estimates suggesting it has around 57% of its original capacity left. To extend Voyager 1's mission, engineers are planning an energy-efficient upgrade called "the Big Bang" that involves replacing power-hungry devices with lower-power alternatives. If successful, this fix could potentially allow Voyager 1 to continue its mission beyond its expected retirement date.

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