But "if we need to tweak sat orientation to minimize solar reflection during critical astronomical experiments, that's easily done," Musk wrote.

"There appears to have been no consultation between SpaceX and the scientific community in advance of the Starlink launch, though since initial press reports we note that Elon Musk has responded indicating he wishes to minimize the impact on astronomy," according to the statement of The Royal Astronomical Society.

"The natural night sky is a resource not just for astronomers but for all who look upward to understand and enjoy the splendor of the universe, and its degradation has many negative impacts beyond the astronomical," said Jeffrey Hall, chair of the AAS Committee on Light Pollution, Radio Interference, and Space Debris.