Vantablack Coating Reduces Satellite Light Pollution

Researchers at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom investigated Vantablack 310, an ultra-black coating, as a solution to light pollution caused by the growing number of satellites in low Earth orbit. Estimates suggest up to 60,000 satellites will orbit Earth by 2030, reflecting sunlight and interfering with astronomical observations, particularly for facilities like the Vera C.

Rubin Observatory. The team found Vantablack 310 absorbs approximately 98% of incoming light due to its unique coral-like nanostructure.

The study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, details how the coating significantly reduces the apparent brightness of satellites compared to current solutions, like those used by SpaceX. A satellite coated with Vantablack 310 reached a magnitude of 6.7 to 7.0 in simulations, meeting the International Astronomical Union’s threshold for minimal impact on sky observations.

However, the researchers caution that the coating’s thermal properties in space require further testing. A planned mission aboard the student-built Jovian-1 CubeSat will validate the lab results under real orbital conditions. The success of this coating depends on whether commercial satellite operators will adopt it despite potential costs and manufacturing challenges.