Mapping the upper atmosphere with public Starlink satellite data
The space around Earth is becoming increasingly crowded, with thousands of satellites and pieces of debris now sharing low Earth orbit. Even above this region—at altitudes of several hundred kilometers—the extremely thin upper atmosphere can slow satellites, making accurate information on atmospheric density essential for predicting satellite motion and preventing collisions.
The Earth's upper atmosphere, composed mostly of neutral gas, poses challenges for scientists studying its density. This environment is crucial for predicting satellite motion and preventing collisions, yet observing thermospheric density remains difficult. A team from Kyoto University sought to address this challenge by utilizing publicly available Starlink satellite data.
By applying tomography, a technique typically found in medical imaging, the researchers analyzed atmospheric drag and estimated thermospheric density surrounding approximately 1,200 Starlink satellites orbiting at around 482 kilometers (299 miles) above Earth. This innovative approach allowed them to create a two-dimensional map of thermospheric density at about 500 kilometers (311 miles) above the planet's surface.
The resulting density distribution, derived from the latitude and longitude of the satellites, agreed well with observations from the European Space Agency's SWARM mission. This new study extends previous research that used the same Starlink data to estimate the time-altitude distribution of thermospheric density. The team's findings, published in the journal Earth, Planets and Space, demonstrate the potential for improved orbital prediction and collision-risk assessment in future space operations.
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