Satellites

(asked on 28th August 2026) - View Source

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment the Department has made of the potential impact of orbital mirror constellations on astronomical observation and light pollution in the UK, and whether the Government is taking any steps, through international space regulatory bodies, to establish light-reflection limits for Low Earth Orbit satellites.


Answered by
Chris McDonald Portrait
Chris McDonald
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
This question was answered on 3rd September 2026

The UK Government has funded three studies to date and engages internationally through a range of fora, including the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, to help develop guidelines and governance structures that meet the needs of the modern space age. This work includes international engagement on matters such as sustainability and the protection of dark and quiet skies for astronomy and scientific observation.

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