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arXiv:2502.03651astro-ph.IM

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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astro-ph.IMInstrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics

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