A recent discovery on Google Earth has offered a rare glimpse into the growing complexity of Earth’s low orbit environment. A satellite image shows a Starlink satellite from SpaceX crossing directly in front of a high-resolution Pléiades satellite operated by Airbus Defence and Space.
The image, taken as the Pléiades satellite passed over Texas, reveals a full view of a Starlink satellite mid-flight – something the public rarely sees. What makes this incident remarkable is the way it was captured: each color band recorded a slightly different position, creating a sequential, multicolor ghost of the satellite across the image.
The resulting image shows the Starlink satellite in full deployment, including its two extended solar panels, spanning a total width of around 30 meters. This is a rare sight, as SpaceX typically only releases images of the satellites during launch phases, not once they are in operational orbit.
This event highlights a broader issue emerging in satellite imaging: the increasing number of active satellites in low Earth orbit. With over 7,000 belonging to the Starlink constellation alone, the frequency of such overlaps is expected to increase. This could lead to challenges for astronomers and satellite operators, as light reflected from Starlink satellites has already interfered with observations from ground-based telescopes and even the Hubble Space Telescope.
The unique pattern left by the satellite’s path, segmented into spectral bands, could also have implications beyond visual curiosity. It might “serve espionage purposes,” offering insights into satellite design and movement that are typically out of reach. The visual data reveals how a fast-moving satellite can be tracked and analyzed using remote sensing tools designed for Earth observation.
This fleeting encounter above Texas illustrates the changing nature of orbital space, where many satellites now share overlapping altitudes. Even high-resolution imaging satellites are no longer guaranteed a clear view of Earth.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/05/they-aimed-to-see-earth-then-starlink-crashed-the-picture-heres-the-image-you-werent-supposed-to-see