Unistellar Citizen Science program launches

Unistellar has announced 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.

Unistellar and SETI Institute to unleash your inner Galileo

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.

Towards a framework to manage near-Earth space

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 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, 2025 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 that 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 Citizen Science program information

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."

Map of Unistellar network observations by citizen astronomers

Citizen Science with Unistellar and SETI launches