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arXiv · 2502.03651

Characterization of Starlink Direct-to-Cell Satellites In Brightness Mitigation Mode

Anthony Mallama·Richard E. Cole·Jay Respler·Scott Harrington
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Abstract

The mean apparent magnitude of Starlink Mini Direct-To-Cell (DTC) satellites observed in brightness mitigation mode is 5.16, while the mean of magnitudes adjusted to a uniform distance of 1,000 km is 6.47. The DTCs have faded since early in 2024 because SpaceX subsequently adjusted the spacecraft attitudes to dim them. A physical model for satellite brightness that fits the observations is described.

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Anthony Mallama, Richard E. Cole, Jay Respler, Scott Harrington. 2025-02-05. Characterization of Starlink Direct-to-Cell Satellites In Brightness Mitigation Mode. https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.03651

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