SpaceX has responded to the concerns of astronomers by developing an improved reflective layer for their Gen 2 satellites which directs more of the sunlight away from observers on the ground.
Mirror film. The antenna have a highly reflective film coating that reflects all light from the sun in a specific direction in space, away from Earth.
The parts of the satellite that aren’t flat enough for the mirror film do use the dark paint.
That’s great to hear! Is this with the shades and paint, or something else?
Pretty sure it’s in-house developed black paint.
Black paint was causing heat problems.
Sounds like it’s more about orientation:
Cool!
Mirror film. The antenna have a highly reflective film coating that reflects all light from the sun in a specific direction in space, away from Earth. The parts of the satellite that aren’t flat enough for the mirror film do use the dark paint.