Read previewNEW ORLEANS — When SpaceX launched its first Starlink satellites, astronomers all over the world freaked out and the company quickly became a villain of the skies. Nonetheless, Starlink satellites — now more than 5,000 strong — are streaking across astronomers' views of the cosmos, ruining their data. SpaceX leads the way for changeA satellite trail streaks in front of galaxies in this image from the Hubble Space Telescope. The visors were a regular feature for many Starlink satellites until SpaceX added laser communications. AdvertisementChris Hofer, international team lead for Amazon's Project Kuiper internet satellites, told the astronomers in New Orleans that SpaceX's Starlink tinkering has been helpful.

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Persons: —, James Lowenthal, Lowenthal, SpaceX isn't, Jonathan McDowell, McDowell, that's, Patricia Cooper, Elon Musk, Slaven Vlasic, They're, Chris Hofer, Hofer, Kristina Barkume, Barkume Organizations: Service, SpaceX, New York Times, Business, Times, Hubble, Telescope, NASA, ESA, American Astronomical Society, International Astronomical Union, CPS, Planet Labs, Amazon Locations: New Orleans