Satellites in Low Earth Orbit Threaten Space Telescopes and Video Call Glitches Influence Judgments

The Nature Podcast explores the looming risk to space-based astronomy from rapidly expanding satellite constellations in low Earth orbit, projecting how upcoming missions could have their images contaminated by thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of satellites. It also delves into social science findings showing that glitches during video calls can reduce perceived connection, lower hiring interest in simulated interviews, and even correlate with parole outcomes in transcripts. The discussion highlights current observations, potential mitigation strategies, and the broader implications for science and society as our sky becomes increasingly crowded and our virtual communications more fragile.

Space-based astronomy under threat from satellite constellations

In this episode, Alejandro Borlaf of NASA's Ames Research Centre discusses how the number of objects in low Earth orbit is ballooning. With about 15,000 active satellites today, up from around 4,000 four years ago, the pace of launches in the last decade surpasses the total from the prior 70 years of spaceflight. The team behind the Nature paper constructed a computer simulation to predict how many space-based telescope images could be affected as constellations grow toward the proposed half a million, or even a million, satellites. The analysis focuses on four existing or planned space telescopes: NASA's Hubble and SPHEREX, ESA's Arakis, and China's Shuntian. The results are striking: on average, more than one satellite could appear in a single Hubble image, with even higher contamination in SPHEREX, Arakis, and Shuntian. The imagery would resemble scratched vinyl, with trails potentially erasing transient events such as supernovae and other fleeting signals.

“We predict that, well, it's a little bit higher than 1 every 3 images from Hubble Space Telescope will show 1 satellite.” - Alejandro Borlaf, NASA Ames Research Centre

Current observations and future scenarios

The discussion links to earlier evidence from the Hubble era, where between 2018 and 2021, roughly 4% of images carried satellite trails, during a period with roughly 8,000 satellites in orbit. Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, the implications for space-based astronomy are described as a worst-case scenario that could become reality if launch plans proceed unmitigated. The researchers emphasize that the issue is not limited to ground-based surveys; space-based instruments could experience similar interference, threatening the quality and longevity of data needed for major discoveries.

“This paper represents a worst case scenario, and that doing something about it won't just benefit astronomers, but ultimately everyone.” - Alejandro Borlaf, NASA Ames Research Centre

Mitigation strategies and policy implications

The team offers practical steps to reduce the risk: providing ultra-accurate open information on satellite orbits, setting upper limits for orbital altitudes, and fostering dialogue among scientists, policymakers, and satellite operators. The idea is to enable future telescopes to operate above congested bands or to adjust observation strategies to minimize trails. The authors stress that the goal is not to halt satellite deployment but to protect vital astronomical data and maintain the public’s access to the night sky as a shared resource.

“They hope this work will spark conversations among researchers, policymakers, and industry to mitigate the most serious impacts.” - Alejandro Borlaf, NASA Ames Research Centre

The social science of glitches in everyday communication

Separately, the episode covers a robust study on video call glitches and their consequences for social judgments. The researchers analyzed archival video calls and employee surveys to assess how reported glitches influenced perceived connectedness after conversations. They found that participants who experienced glitches felt less connected to their conversation partners. In simulated job interviews, glitches reduced hiring interest, suggesting that interruptions distort social evaluations even when comprehension remains intact. Parole hearings were also examined through transcripts, revealing that language indicating glitches correlated with a lower likelihood of parole, although causation could not be established.

“Glitches have the potential to fundamentally alter the trajectory of individuals' lives.” - Jacqueline Rifkin, Cornell University

Why uncanniness matters and what this means for policy

The authors propose that uncanniness—the uneasy feeling caused by imperfectly simulated face-to-face interaction—helps explain why glitches can degrade judgments beyond mere annoyance or comprehension issues. The research suggests that frequent, real-world exposure to unstable connections could gradually influence decisions in hiring, healthcare, and justice systems. The takeaway is clear: improving video call reliability has value beyond convenience, potentially shaping outcomes for individuals across education, work, and legal contexts.