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Starlink Satellite's Colorful Pass Raises Space Concerns

9/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

A Maxar satellite captured Starlink satellite 33828 over China's Dingxin Airbase on August 21, 2025, displaying unusual rainbow effects from its high-speed pass.
Dingxin Airbase, located in the Gobi Desert, is known for military aircraft testing and is often likened to Area 51.
Maxar's Susanne Hake noted that such satellite "photobombs" are rare but may increase with more launches.
The Starlink constellation has over 8,000 satellites, raising concerns about space congestion and collisions.
Astronomers criticize Starlink for disrupting telescope observations and radio signals, highlighting the need for integrated space domain awareness.

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Story summary

A Maxar satellite captured Starlink satellite 33828 over China's Dingxin Airbase on August 21, 2025, displaying unusual rainbow effects from its high-speed pass.
Dingxin Airbase, located in the Gobi Desert, is known for military aircraft testing and is often likened to Area 51.
Maxar's Susanne Hake noted that such satellite "photobombs" are rare but may increase with more launches.
The Starlink constellation has over 8,000 satellites, raising concerns about space congestion and collisions.
Astronomers criticize Starlink for disrupting telescope observations and radio signals, highlighting the need for integrated space domain awareness.