Unistellar, pioneer of smart telescopes with amplified vision, is announcing its collaboration with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute to launch the Satellites Program, a groundbreaking citizen science initiative that empowers telescope users to track satellite positions and measure their brightness. By contributing real-time observations, participants will help researchers refine orbital models and explore ways to reduce stray reflections, ensuring that outer space remains a shared and responsibly managed environment for generations to come.
Towards a framework to manage the near-Earth
Since the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union in 1957, satellites have become an integral component of Earth’s orbital landscape. Originally designed for communication, satellites now serve a wide range of purposes, including Earth observation, weather forecasting, scientific research, and space exploration. Over the past decade, the number of active satellites in low-Earth orbit has soared from 1,200 to 9,900, supporting everything from global connectivity to Earth observation.
However, near-Earth space is a shared and delicate environment, and with projections estimating up to 60,000 satellites by the end of the decade, its rapid transformation requires careful and responsible management. This could pose significant challenges for astronomy, which depends on detecting faint, moving targets. Targets such as Potentially Hazardous Asteroids require long exposure times, or rely on radio wave detection, which may be disrupted by satellite interference. Another challenge is about satellite collisions and debris: satellites’ orbits must be carefully tracked to prevent collisions, as satellites naturally drift over time. Each collision increases the amount of space debris, raising the risk of further impacts. Without vigilant monitoring, this cascading effect—known as the Kessler Syndrome—could spiral out of control, potentially leading to a scenario where space debris becomes so abundant that it destroys satellites and ultimately makes space inaccessible. Starting February 12, Unistellar’s users can join this effort, contributing valuable information to support the sustainable use of near-Earth space.
From amateurs’ stargazing to scientific discovery
As Satellite Trackers, Unistellar’s users can help enhance our understanding of how the growing number of satellites will impact the night sky, benefiting both professional astronomers and amateur stargazers. By gathering data on satellite positions and brightness, hobbyists will contribute valuable insights that aid scientists from the SETI Institute in refining orbital models and assessing ways to reduce stray reflections. Satellite companies continually introduce new design elements and orbital maneuvers to reduce satellite glare, and user observations provide crucial insights into the methods which are most effective in minimizing stray reflections. Those interested in shaping the future of the night sky can visit the Tutorial page to get started, or explore the Missions page to learn about ongoing campaigns.
Unistellar’s Citizen Science Program
Citizen Science is collaborative research between amateur and professional scientists who share a common goal. Professional space scientists often need the support of citizen scientists – there are simply not enough devices and time to collect all the information that exists about our universe, so citizen scientists leverage their passion to help gather and analyze data. This work allows scientists to expand our knowledge of the universe. To support Citizen Science and to create a bridge between amateur and professional scientists, Unistellar created the UNISTELLAR Network, working in partnership with professional astronomers at the SETI Institute which has 25,000 members from all over the world. Members use their UNISTELLAR telescope to collect spatial data, which is supplied to SETI Institute astronomers, who then use it to develop predictions and models. In 2023, Nature published an article highlighting optical observations of Dimorphos, the satellite of asteroid 65803 Didymos, captured before, during, and after impact. These observations were made possible through a global network of citizen scientists using their Unistellar telescopes.
Laurent Marfisi, co-founder and co-CEO of Unistellar, said, “The Satellites Program enriches our already extensive citizen science program with its 6th vertical, now enabling users to protect the night sky and, soon, preserve our access to space. Partnering with the SETI Institute, they’re not just observing—they’re shaping the future of space exploration and sustainability, playing a vital role in safeguarding our cosmic environment.“
Check out the new Satellites Program on the dedicated Unistellar website to learn more!
About UNISTELLAR
Unistellar creates the world’s most powerful and easy-to-use smart telescopes. Thanks to exclusive and patented advances in imaging and optics, its range of connected products finally make observing the sky that immersive voyage among the stars each of us dreams of, but never got to experience before. It even pushes the boundaries of technology to enable observing even in the heart of the city and despite light pollution.
Unistellar is a market leader in smart telescopes, providing a unique experience of observing and discovering space, in the United States, Europe, Japan and worldwide. The company has received two CES Awards, in 2018 and 2022.
Through partnerships with renowned scientific organizations such as NASA and the SETI Institute, Unistellar has built the world’s first crowdsourced astronomy community. The decisive contribution of the Unistellar Network to the study of the DART planetary defense mission has already been recognized major scientific journal Nature.
For more information about Unistellar, visit http://www.unistellar.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
