Space Engineering

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.