Kyoto researchers turn 1,200 Starlink satellites into an upper-atmosphere imaging array

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel method to image Earth's upper atmosphere by using approximately 1,200 Starlink satellites as an array. This technique analyzes the drag experienced by the satellites to create a two-dimensional map of thermospheric density, a region previously difficult to observe directly. The findings, consistent with data from the European Space Agency's SWARM satellites, could improve space weather forecasting and collision avoidance for satellites and debris.

• Entities
• Topic: Space Science
• Topic: Space Weather
• Company: European Space Agency
• Topic: Space Engineering
• Company: SpaceX
• Topic: Atmospheric Density
• Topic: Satellite Operations
• Game: Starlink
• Company: Kyoto University
• Person: Mamoru Yamamoto