SpaceX has successfully overcome the issue of Starlink Internet service not being available in “radioactive quiet zones” in the United States. These areas, where the most important radio astronomy observatories are located, were previously excluded from Starlink coverage in order to prevent radio interference.

Strategic cooperation

On Friday, SpaceX announced a partnership with the US National Science Foundation and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) to provide Starlink access to these areas without disrupting the observatories’ scientific research.

The primary mission was to ensure that Starlink’s radio signals did not interfere with the observatory’s radio telescopes used for space observations. To solve this problem, SpaceX developed a system that redirects the satellite’s beams away from the telescopes as the satellites approach.

How does it work?

The method relies on a real-time data exchange system that provides the Starlink network with graphs of telescope observations, including pointing directions and observed frequency range. This allows Starlink to adjust its signals to avoid potential interference.

The system is already operating in the radio quiet zone of Socorro, New Mexico, home of the NRAO Very Large Array telescope, meaning local residents, including the Alamo Navajo Indian tribe, can now access high-speed internet from Starlink.

The NRAO also confirmed that Starlink connectivity has also extended to other areas where another large radio telescope is located, and SpaceX plans to offer both fixed and roaming Starlink services in those areas.