SpaceX added 24 new Starlink satellites to its orbital network on a Friday night (July 18) launch from California.

Despite owning more than half of the satellites currently in low Earth orbit, SpaceX is complaining about AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird constellation and how it’ll introduce added risks.

The issue concerns sunlight reflecting off the satellites’ surfaces. SpaceX has attempted to reduce the brightness of the reflected light by coating the satellites in a dark material, and also by adding reflective film to redirect the sunlight away from Earth.

Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX is now significantly affecting radio astronomy observations, a large survey by Western Australia's Curtin University has found. While satellites interfering with optical astronomy is a known issue that is well-documented,

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation that works as an international telecommunication provider, part of the American aerospace company SpaceX, founded by controversial billionaire Musk. The network provides coverage to around 130 countries and territories, aiming to provide global mobile broadband.

A new 'golden era' of space science is beckoning. But Aussie researchers say there's just one thing getting in the way.

In fairness, SpaceX may have a point. AST SpaceMobile's proposed satellites are the size of a tennis court and would be visible to the naked eye from the ground